A police officer was seriously wounded and a 29-year-old man suffered life-threatening injuries following an exchange of gunfire near the Sons of Jacob Synagogue in Belleville, Ontario, on Sunday evening, September 20, 2026.

The shooting occurred at approximately 7 p.m. near Victoria Avenue and Bleecker Avenue, as members of Belleville’s Jewish community were gathering for Yom Kippur services. Ontario’s Special Investigations Unit (SIU) has taken over the investigation because police officers discharged their firearms during the incident.

Belleville Synagogue Shooting

According to the SIU, a Belleville Police Service officer was near the Sons of Jacob Synagogue when an exchange of gunfire involving a man armed with a shotgun occurred.

The 29-year-old man and one police officer were both struck by gunfire and transported to hospital. The officer was reported to be in critical but stable condition, while the man suffered a life-threatening injury.

The injured man was identified in subsequent reporting as Sean Ward, 29, of Quinte West, while the wounded officer was identified as Constable Jeff Smith, a veteran member of the Belleville Police Service with approximately 13 years of service.

What Happened During the Shooting?

The SIU said its preliminary information indicates that the confrontation involved a man armed with a shotgun and a Belleville police officer stationed near the synagogue. Further reporting based on the SIU investigation said the man allegedly opened fire at the officer, who returned fire, with another officer also discharging a firearm. Investigators estimated that between 20 and 30 shots may have been fired.

Several homes and vehicles in the surrounding area were reportedly damaged by gunfire as investigators examined the scene and gathered evidence.

The SIU cautioned that its account remains preliminary as investigators continue working to establish the complete sequence of events.

Yom Kippur Services and Synagogue Community

The shooting occurred as worshippers were gathering for Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the Jewish calendar.

The Sons of Jacob Synagogue said no one inside the building was injured. Worshippers sheltered inside during the gunfire, and the synagogue subsequently canceled its remaining Yom Kippur services.

The incident has raised questions about whether the synagogue or Jewish community was specifically targeted. However, investigators have not publicly confirmed a motive, and conclusions about the reason for the shooting remain premature while the investigation is ongoing.

Police Investigation Continues

The SIU has assigned investigators and forensic specialists to examine the shooting. Its current case status lists the investigation as ongoing.

Authorities are asking anyone who witnessed the incident or has photographs or video from the area to provide that information to investigators. The SIU says four investigators and two forensic investigators have been assigned to the case.

The shooting has left the Belleville community confronting a violent incident that occurred during an important religious gathering. Police patrols around places of worship have also been increased as a precaution.

As the investigation continues, the conditions of Constable Jeff Smith and Sean Ward remain closely watched. Authorities are continuing to gather evidence and determine the full circumstances surrounding the exchange of gunfire near the Belleville synagogue.