Belleville synagogue raising funds to rebuild as Jewish leaders remain committed to safety

Ashley Smith, the wife of Const. Jeff Smith, has spoken out about the traumatic events that unfolded outside a local synagogue in Belleville. The shooting occurred on Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the year for the Jewish community, as her husband was on duty as a precautionary measure. A suspect, Sean Ward, fired a shotgun at Const.

Smith, who returned fire along with another officer. The exchange resulted in a barrage of gunfire, leaving both police and civilian vehicles, nearby homes, as well as the synagogue, with damages. Const. Smith was critically injured and hospitalized in the intensive care unit, while Ward was severely hurt and later died in a hospital.

Ashley Smith expressed deep gratitude for the medical personnel who saved her husband's life, describing them as "man of integrity" and "who gives freely." She also thanked friends, neighbors, and the Jewish community for their prayers and support during this challenging time. Ashley Smith, who held her husband's hand after he was stabilized, reflected on the "life-saving hands" that carried her through this darkest day of her family's life.