Mother describes chaos and determination inside Belleville synagogue; suspect reportedly blamed Jews for COVID; and more

Sean Ward, a 29-year-old former soldier, left the Canadian military after spouting COVID-19 conspiracy theories, according to military sources. Ward, a member of the Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry, was discharged in June 2022 for refusing to be vaccinated, sources said. On Sunday evening, the 29-year-old opened fire on police outside an Ontario synagogue with a shotgun, killing himself in the process.

Ward was wounded during an exchange of fire with police and later died in the hospital. Police believe he may have targeted the synagogue, which was hosting worshippers observing the holiest evening of the Jewish faith, Yom Kippur. The Canadian Armed Forces declined to comment on the allegations of pandemic-related conspiracy theories, citing privacy concerns.

Two national Jewish organizations praised the wounded officer but warned that synagogues should not require armed police presence. They called on governments to address the growing threat of extremist violence in Canada, especially in the wake of the Oct. 7, 2023 Hamas attack on Israel.