Story perspectives

SIU: Belleville Police Shooting Appears Terror, Hate-Motivated

By Drooid · Sep 25, 2026, 2:08 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Belleville Police Shoot

Belleville police killed 29-year-old Sean Ward after he fired at Constable Jeff Smith outside the Sons of Jacob Synagogue.
Constable Jeff Smith, a 13-year veteran, was critically wounded but survived in stable condition.
The shooting occurred around 7 p.m. on Sunday as worshippers gathered for Yom Kippur services.
SIU spokesperson Kristy Denette said the incident appeared terror or hate-motivated while examining police conduct.

Summary

Ward Antisemitic Shooter

Former Canadian Armed Forces corporal Sean Ward was identified as the shooter.
Ward had previously spread antisemitic COVID-19 conspiracy theories, military sources said.
About 150 residents gathered in Belleville for a rally supporting the Jewish community the day after the attack.
The synagogue will install additional security cameras and protective window coverings after the shooting.
Deputy Chief Sheri Meeks said police increased patrols around Belleville and other houses of worship.

Summary

Pew Research Israel

Pew Research surveyed Canadians in June, finding a majority view Israel unfavorably because of the Gaza genocide.
Leger’s April poll reported similar unfavorable opinions tied to settler terrorism in the West Bank.
B’nai Brith and the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs prioritize policing Israel-Palestine discourse over confronting antisemitism.
A 2024 Israeli ministry report labeling Canada the most antisemitic Western nation was later debunked.

History

Historical Context

On October 27 2018, Robert Gregory Bowers opened fire at the Tree of Life–Or L'Simcha Congregation in Pittsburgh’s Squirrel Hill, killing 11 worshippers and wounding six, the deadliest attack on a U.S. Jewish community. The shooting spurred nationwide vigils, new security funding and heightened synagogue protection, illustrating a continuing rise in antisemitic hate crimes.

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Belleville Police Shoot

Belleville police killed 29-year-old Sean Ward after he fired at Constable Jeff Smith outside the Sons of Jacob Synagogue.
Constable Jeff Smith, a 13-year veteran, was critically wounded but survived in stable condition.
The shooting occurred around 7 p.m. on Sunday as worshippers gathered for Yom Kippur services.
SIU spokesperson Kristy Denette said the incident appeared terror or hate-motivated while examining police conduct.

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