Officer shot outside Canadian synagogue during Yom Kippur observance

A man with a shotgun opened fire at a police officer stationed outside an Ontario synagogue on Sunday night, according to local police. The 29-year-old suspect launched the attack about a half-block away from the Sons of Jacob Synagogue on Yom Kippur, the holiest day on the Jewish calendar, Special Investigations Unit spokeswoman Kristy Denette said. The incident happened at around 7 p.m. local time and left bullet holes in several residential homes and cars near the scene, Denette said. No congregants or locals reported injuries.

The injured officer returned fire after the suspect's initial attack, and a second officer arrived on the scene and also discharged his or her weapon at the suspect, she added. Forensic workers needed several days to process the extensive scene, and SIU officials planned to pull bodycam and dashcam footage, Denette said. The spokeswoman described the investigation as ongoing, and refrained from speculating on the shooter's possible motive.

How are the injured officer and the shooter? Belleville Police Deputy Chief Sheri Meeks identified the injured officer as Constable Jeff Smith, a 13-year veteran of the department. Smith suffered severe injuries but his condition has stabilized, and he made encouraging progress since entering the intensive care unit, Meeks told reporters. Meeks also identified the suspected shooter as Sean Ward, whom she reported to be in life-threatening condition. The deputy chief insisted that there was no ongoing threat to public safety and refrained from sharing any further investigative details.

Canada Prime Minister Mark Carney released a Monday statement condemning the shooting, and describing the local community as shaken. Jewish communities must be able to stay safe while worshiping freely, he wrote. Carney vowed that the government would do everything in its power to hold the suspected shooter accountable under the law. Ontario Premier Doug Ford released a Sunday night statement, voicing disgust at the Yom Kippur attack. The public owed a great debt to the injured officer and the other first responders involved for keeping the community safe, he added.