Motive behind Ontario synagogue shooting attack not yet determined by Canadian police
A team of four investigators and two forensic investigators was assigned to the case, in which a police cruiser, other vehicles, and nearby homes were hit by up to 30-rounds of gunfire.
Canadian police are still working to establish the motive behind the shooting outside Congregation Beth Jacob in Belleville, Ontario. The attack occurred as worshippers were gathered for Yom Kippur prayers on Sunday. Shortly after the shooting, Israel's Ambassador to Canada Iddo Moed called it a "terror attack" and demanded increased protection for the Jewish community.
The shooter, identified as 29-year-old Sean Ward from nearby Quinte West, remains hospitalized with life-threatening injuries. A veteran police officer, Jeff Smith, also suffered gunshot wounds and is in intensive care with a significant recovery ahead. Belleville Mayor Neil Ellis noted that the timing and location, outside the synagogue on the eve of Yom Kippur, suggest it may be a hate crime, though it is too early to confirm.
The Special Investigations Unit (SIU) of Ontario is leading the investigation, which is focusing on the actions of the police officer targeted first. About 24 worshippers were inside the synagogue at the time, but none were injured. Police have increased their presence across the city, including near houses of worship. Israel's Foreign Ministry called the attack an escalation in Canada's antisemitism crisis, calling for a change in public discourse and anti-Israel policies.
The SIU's investigation is ongoing, examining the suspect's motive while police continue to secure the community.
Written by urgent.news from Jerusalem Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
Also reported by 1 other outlet
- Canadian teen arrested after threatening synagogue israelnationalnews.com
