Gunman fires at police outside Belleville synagogue, officer critically injured

A shooting occurred outside the Sons of Jacob Synagogue in Belleville, Ontario, on Sunday night during Yom Kippur when a suspect armed with a shotgun opened fire on a police officer stationed outside, leaving the officer in critical but stable condition and the suspect in life-threatening condition, Ontario’s Special Investigations Unit (SIU) said.

The incident happened around 19:00 local time, SIU spokesperson Kristy Denette said, and involved return gunfire from the officer and another officer. Denette said about 20 to 30 shots were fired.

Authorities have not confirmed a motive or whether the synagogue itself was specifically targeted. The SIU and the Belleville Police Service continue to investigate the shooting.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney condemned the antisemitic violence on X, saying Jewish people must be able to worship safely and to live open, proud Jewish lives. Ontario Premier Doug Ford described the shooting as “disgusting,” and opposition leader Pierre Poilievre urged action to protect people following the attack.

Belleville Police Service said it has increased patrols and will keep a heightened presence around the city, including near places of worship. Toronto police also announced increased patrols outside synagogues and other worship sites as a precaution.

Liberal News Analysis: What Does This Development Mean?

The SIU reported the timeline and the scale of the shooting, including the number of shots fired and the exchange of gunfire. Officials have not released a confirmed motive or indicated whether the synagogue was the intended target. Political leaders and local police responded publicly by condemning the violence and increasing security around places of worship.

Quick Glance: What You Need to Know

• Shooting took place outside Sons of Jacob Synagogue in Belleville during Yom Kippur, around 19:00 local time.
• Suspect fired a shotgun; about 20 to 30 shots were exchanged; suspect is in life-threatening condition and one officer is critical but stable.
• SIU and Belleville Police Service are investigating; security patrols increased in Belleville and Toronto.