Police officer injured in shooting outside Belleville synagogue during Yom Kippur observance
An officer and a suspect were wounded in a shooting outside the Sons of Jacob Synagogue in Belleville, Ontario, as worshippers gathered for Yom Kippur; the incident is under investigation by the provincial police watchdog.
An officer with the Belleville Police Service was shot outside the Sons of Jacob Synagogue in Belleville, Ontario, at about 7 p.m. on Sunday as members of the Jewish community were gathering for Yom Kippur. The officer and the individual he encountered were taken to hospital, with the officer sustaining injuries and the other person reported to be in a life-threatening condition.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford condemned the attack, saying he was "disgusted" by the shooting and expressed solidarity with the Jewish community, adding that he expects all responsible parties to be arrested and prosecuted. The province’s Special Investigations Unit, which oversees incidents involving police, has opened an investigation.
Toronto police announced they are increasing patrols at synagogues and other places of worship as a precaution, though they said no direct threat to Toronto has been identified.
The investigation remains ongoing.