Police officer wounded in shooting outside Belleville synagogue during Yom Kippur gathering
A police officer and a suspect were injured in a gunfire exchange near the Sons of Jacob synagogue in Belleville, Ontario, as worshippers gathered for Yom Kippur; the suspect is in critical condition and the officer was hospitalized.
A police officer was shot and wounded during an exchange of gunfire with an armed individual near the Sons of Jacob synagogue in Belleville, Ontario, on Sunday evening as congregants were assembling for Yom Kippur services. The officer and the suspect were taken to hospital, with the suspect listed in life-threatening condition.
The synagogue’s president, Norm Weddum, said the officer was stationed nearby in an unmarked vehicle and engaged the shooter as he approached the building. He described hearing multiple gunshots, bullet impacts on stained-glass windows and over 20 bullet holes, while worshippers took cover on the floor. No members of the congregation were injured, but all Yom Kippur services were cancelled.
Belleville police reported the incident occurred around 7:10 p.m. near the intersection of Bleecker Avenue and Victoria Avenue. York Regional Police said it would increase patrols around places of worship following the shooting.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford issued a statement praising the officer and first responders and expressed concern for the Jewish community’s safety. Authorities plan a press conference on Monday morning and continue an investigation at the scene.