Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has condemned a shooting outside a synagogue in Belleville, Ontario, that left a police officer critically injured during Yom Kippur.
The shooting happened around 7 p.m. on Sunday near the Sons of Jacob Synagogue. This was around the time members of the Jewish community had gathered for Yom Kippur services. Ontario’s Special Investigations Unit (SIU) is investigating the incident.
According to the SIU, a 29-year-old man armed with a firearm exchanged gunfire with a Belleville police officer stationed near the synagogue. The officer returned fire before another officer also discharged their weapon. Both the officer and the suspect were shot. The officer was taken to hospital in critical but stable condition, while the suspect remained in life-threatening condition. Investigators said dozens of shots were fired during the exchange.
Carney condemned the shooting in a post on X, saying Jewish people must be able to worship safely and live openly without fear.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford also condemned the incident, saying members of the Jewish community have the right to gather and worship safely. Opposition leader Pierre Poilievre described the incident as antisemitic violence and called for stronger action to protect Canadians.
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Possible Antisemitic Motive
Police have not established a motive and have not confirmed whether the synagogue was specifically targeted. However, the timing and location of the shooting have raised concerns about a possible antisemitic motive.
SIU spokesperson Kristy Denette said that, when asked whether the incident could be considered a terrorist attack, “common sense would say that probably was the case.” She stressed that the SIU’s investigation focuses on the exchange of gunfire involving police, while the motive remains under investigation.
The synagogue’s president, Norman Weddum, said worshippers were preparing to begin Yom Kippur services when they heard gunfire. Those inside the building took cover, and no injuries were reported inside the synagogue.
Belleville police have increased patrols across the city, including around places of worship. Toronto police have also increased patrols around synagogues and other religious sites as a precaution.
