Ottawa residents with any connection to the Belleville area, including fans of the Ottawa Senators' AHL farm club based in the city, are following new details in Sunday's shooting outside a Belleville synagogue, which left a police officer and the suspect wounded.
What happened
The shooting happened Sunday evening, around 7 p.m., near the Sons of Jacob Synagogue at Victoria and Bleecker avenues in Belleville, Ontario, during a Yom Kippur gathering.
Officer and suspect identified
The wounded officer has been identified as Const. Jeff Smith of the Belleville Police Service. The suspect has been identified as Sean Ward, 29, of Quinte West. Investigators say Ward opened fire on Const. Smith with a shotgun, Smith returned fire, and a second officer also discharged their firearm during the confrontation.
Conditions
Const. Smith is in critical but stable condition in hospital. Ward is in life-threatening condition. Homes and vehicles in the area near the synagogue were damaged during the shooting.
Investigation underway
Ontario's Special Investigations Unit is investigating because an officer's weapon was discharged. SIU spokesperson Kristy Denette said "the initial officer and the man were both struck by gunfire." The Ontario Provincial Police Anti-Terrorism Section is also assisting with the investigation.
Community and political reaction
Belleville Police Deputy Chief Sheri Meeks said antisemitism, hate and violence have no place in the community, adding that everyone deserves to feel safe at a place of worship. Sons of Jacob Synagogue congregation president Norm Weddum said, "If that officer had not been there, I probably wouldn't be talking to you right now." Belleville Mayor Neil Ellis said violence of this nature has no place in the community.
The shooting drew reaction from federal leaders as well. Prime Minister Mark Carney said Canada stands against all forms of violence and hate. Opposition leader Pierre Poilievre called Const. Smith a courageous constable.
The Ottawa connection
ottown readers following the farm team's roster and coaching moves this year are among those with a direct tie to the community now processing this weekend's violence. ottown's earlier report looked at the Belleville Senators' deep roster heading into this season, and an earlier report covered the club locking in head coach Andrew Campbell.
No further updates on Const. Smith's or Ward's conditions, or on the SIU investigation's timeline, have been released.
Sources: Global News, Quinte News, The Globe and Mail
