Updated

Updated · BBC.com · Sep 24

Canadian Police Declare Yom Kippur Synagogue Shooting Hate-Motivated as 1 Officer Fights Critical Injuries

Updated

Updated · BBC.com · Sep 24

Canadian Police Declare Yom Kippur Synagogue Shooting Hate-Motivated as 1 Officer Fights Critical Injuries

Q: How did a lone officer intercept a heavily armed extremist moments before a potential mass tragedy at a Canadian synagogue?

A lone Belleville officer appears to have stopped the attack by being in place outside the synagogue, immediately confronting the gunman, and continuing to hold him off even after being shot. Police say Constable Jeff Smith was stationed near Sons of Jacob Synagogue during Yom Kippur when Sean Ward, 29, arrived armed with a shotgun and other firearms. Investigators say Ward had ammunition and gasoline in his vehicle and was targeting the Jewish community in a hate-motivated attack. Chief Murray Rodd said Ward allegedly told Smith, “You are going to die for the Jews,” before opening fire. Smith was hit almost at once, before he could fully get out of his car, suffering serious wounds to the head and torso. Despite that, police say he exited the vehicle and engaged the attacker, preventing him from advancing toward the synagogue for nearly three minutes. That delay was critical: it gave time for Constable Mike McCurdy to arrive and join the confrontation. Authorities say roughly 20 to 30 shots were fired. Bullets struck nearby homes, vehicles and the synagogue, but no congregants were injured. Ward was seriously wounded in the exchange and later died. Investigators say Smith’s intervention, followed by McCurdy’s arrival, likely prevented Ward from entering the synagogue and carrying out a mass-casualty attack. Smith remains hospitalized and faces multiple surgeries, but police say he is making progress through what is expected to be a long recovery.

3 articles · Updated · BBC.com · Sep 24

Belleville police said Thursday the shooting outside Sons of Jacob Synagogue on Yom Kippur was a deliberate, hate-motivated attack aimed at the Jewish community.
Constable Jeff Smith was shot multiple times in the head and body in his car, then got out and confronted the gunman until a second officer arrived nearly 3 minutes later.
About 20 to 30 shots were fired before officers ended the attack; suspect Sean Ward, 29, of nearby Quinte West later died, while Smith remained in critical but stable condition and faced multiple surgeries.
Toronto police increased patrols at synagogues and other places of worship, while Prime Minister Mark Carney and Jewish leaders condemned antisemitic violence and urged stronger action against threats.