Police officer critical, gunman fighting for life after shooting near Ontario synagogue on Yom Kippur

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney condemned a shooting outside a synagogue in Belleville, Ontario, on Sunday evening, the day before the holiest night of the Jewish calendar, Yom Kippur. The attack left a police officer injured while members of the Jewish community were gathered for their services. In an X/Twitter post, Carney emphasized that Jewish people must be able to worship safely and freely.

The Toronto Police Service stated that they are increasing patrols near synagogues and other places of worship as a precautionary measure. The shooting occurred around 7:10 p.m. near a residential area in Belleville, about 190 kilometers east of Toronto. The Belleville Police Service confirmed that the shooter, a 29-year-old man, is in a life-threatening condition, while the police officer is in critical but stable condition.

Ontario's Special Investigations Unit reported that the shooter was involved in the incident. Ontario Premier Doug Ford also condemned the shooting, reaffirming that Jewish community members have every right to gather and worship safely and without fear.