Police officer shot outside synagogue in Ontario on Yom Kippur: Officials
A police officer was shot outside of a synagogue in Ontario, Canada, on Sunday night, as Jewish community members were gathered to mark Yom Kippur, Ontario Premier Doug Ford said.
Ford condemned the incident, which occurred outside of the Sons of Jacob Synagogue in Belleville, Ontario, and called for everyone responsible to be arrested and fully prosecuted.
Belleville Police said the officer encountered an individual in the area of Bleecker Avenue and Victoria Avenue around 7 p.m.
The officer and the individual sustained injuries and were transported to hospital, Belleville Police said.
Ontario’s Special Investigations Unit (SIU), the province’s civilian police watchdog, is investigating, according to police.
The SIU said the officer was injured and the other individual is in life-threatening condition.
"I’m disgusted by the shooting that took place outside the Sons of Jacob Synagogue in Belleville earlier this evening as Jewish community members gathered to mark Yom Kippur," Ford said in a statement.
"My thoughts are with the Jewish community in Belleville and across Ontario, who have every right to gather and worship safely and without fear. I expect that all those responsible are arrested and prosecuted to the full extent of the law," he added.
In the wake of the shooting, the Toronto Police said it's increasing patrols at synagogues and its presence in Jewish communities.
"While there is no known threat or connection to Toronto at this time, we are increasing visibility and patrols at synagogues and other places of worship out of an abundance of caution," police said.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
