BELLEVILLE, Ont. — Belleville police have formally classified the shooting outside the Sons of Jacob synagogue as a hate-motivated attack, saying the incident was deliberate and aimed at the Jewish community during Yom Kippur.
Police describe a deliberate, targeted assault
Chief Murray Rodd told reporters the investigation met the provincial policing standard for a hate-motivated offence and emphasised the intent behind the attack.
“Make no mistake, this was a targeted attack against the Jewish community,”
According to police, the assailant approached the synagogue while worshippers were inside for Yom Kippur, the most solemn day in the Jewish calendar. Officers say the individual carried a shotgun and engaged a uniformed police constable who was stationed outside the building as part of regular duty.
Sequence of events and actions by officers
Police described the event as involving reconnaissance and a deliberate second pass by the suspect. Investigators say the shooter drove by in a truck initially, then returned and opened fire. Video shown to media captured the attacker making a statement about Jewish people immediately before the shooting.
“you are going to die for the Jews,”
Chief Rodd said the officer, identified in police statements as Const. Smith, was struck by gunfire before he exited his cruiser. Despite sustaining life-threatening wounds, Const. Smith left his vehicle and engaged the shooter until another officer arrived.
Approximately two minutes and 47 seconds after shots were first fired, Const. Mike McCurdy arrived on scene and moved toward the gunfire. Chief Rodd credited both officers with confronting the attacker and preventing a larger catastrophe, saying their actions brought the violence to an end.
Victim, suspect and investigation status
The attacker was transported to hospital with no vital signs and later identified by police as Sean Ward, 29, of Quinte West, Ont. The Canadian Armed Forces confirmed he was a former soldier. Ward subsequently died in hospital.
Const. Smith remains in hospital in stable condition, according to the police update. No other injuries have been reported. Police continue to investigate and have described the incident as premeditated and targeted.
- Location: Sons of Jacob synagogue, Belleville, Ont.
- Date: During Yom Kippur service (police statement provided Sept. 24, 2026)
- Suspect: Sean Ward, 29, Quinte West; former Canadian Armed Forces member
- Officers involved: Const. Smith (wounded, stable), Const. Mike McCurdy (arrived and engaged)
| Detail | Police account |
|---|---|
| Time from initial gunfire to second officer's arrival | 2 minutes 47 seconds |
| Shooter identified as | Sean Ward, 29 |
Context and potential consequences
Police classification of the event as a hate-motivated attack places the incident within a growing national conversation about antisemitic violence and targeted attacks against religious communities. The fact the shooting coincided with Yom Kippur — a high-attendance religious observance — heightens concerns about the security of places of worship and the safety of congregations during solemn holidays.
Investigators have so far released limited detail about potential motives beyond the hate determination and the video evidence shown to media. The identification of the deceased suspect as a former member of the Canadian Armed Forces is confirmed by the military, but police statements have not linked that service history directly to motive, training or planning beyond noting the attack was premeditated and involved reconnaissance.
Police said their officers’ quick engagement prevented further loss of life. The department’s next steps will include continued evidence collection, inevitable forensic work and co‑ordination with prosecutors to determine any further charges or legal findings that might follow from the investigation.
Community leaders and elected officials have been briefed by police and the investigation remains active. Authorities have urged anyone with information to come forward as they continue to reconstruct the events leading to the attack.
