Shooting Outside Belleville Synagogue Leaves Officer and Civilian Injured

On Sunday night, an exchange of gunfire occurred near the Sons of Jacob Synagogue in Belleville, Ontario, as members of the Jewish community gathered for Yom Kippur. Belleville Police Service reported that an officer encountered a man in the vicinity of Bleecker and Victoria avenues at approximately 7:10 p.m. Both the officer and the man sustained injuries and were transported to hospital; the civilian’s condition was described as life-threatening. Police indicated there was no immediate threat to public safety and asked the public to avoid the area while investigators worked.

CP24The HillPolice officer shot outside synagogue in Ontario on Yom Kippur: Officials

The province’s civilian police watchdog, the Special Investigations Unit (SIU), invoked its mandate to investigate the incident because it involved a firearm discharge at a police officer. SIU officials confirmed that investigators were en route to the scene and that the investigation would follow the agency’s protocols for serious incidents involving law-enforcement personnel.

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Ontario Premier Doug Ford expressed condemnation of the shooting, stating he was “disgusted” by the attack on the synagogue during worship. York Regional Police noted there was no known threat in the region but warned that residents should expect increased patrols at places of worship. Toronto police also announced heightened visibility at synagogues as a precaution.

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The incident follows a series of antisemitic incidents cited by Prime Minister Mark Carney, including previous shootings at synagogues in Vaughan and Toronto that resulted in arrests. In response, authorities have pledged additional security patrols and reaffirmed commitments to protect faith-based institutions.

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• “I’m disgusted by the shooting that took place outside the Sons of Jacob Synagogue in Belleville earlier this evening as Jewish community members gathered to mark Yom Kippur,” — Ontario Premier Doug Ford

Police officer shot outside synagogue in Ontario on Yom Kippur: Officials

• “My thoughts are also with the police officer who was shot, along with their family and loved ones,” — Ontario Premier Doug Ford

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