Belleville officer ‘improving each day’ after synagogue shooting: chief

The chief of the Belleville, Ontario police department stated that the officer injured in a shootout outside a synagogue is "improving each day." Constable Jeff Smith has undergone multiple surgeries and has made "steady progress" since being shot during the incident on September 20th. Police Chief Murray Rodd shared this update in a statement on Wednesday.

Const. Smith was stationed outside the Sons of Jacob synagogue during Yom Kippur celebrations when the shooting occurred. The suspect, Sean Ward, a 29-year-old man from Quinte West, shot at Smith. Despite being critically injured, Smith is recovering well and receiving ongoing medical care. He is grateful for the messages, letters, cards, and well-wishes received from across Ontario and beyond.

Police have established a connection between the suspect's actions and hate-driven motives, as Ward had previously passed by the synagogue but was not alarmed. No one inside the synagogue was injured during the attack, which took place as about two dozen people were present. Police have gathered evidence suggesting Ward's intent to cause harm and destruction to the synagogue.

The Special Investigations Unit is conducting an investigation into the officers' actions, which is standard practice when lives are lost, injuries are severe, or firearms are discharged.