Suspect in shooting outside Ontario synagogue that injured officer dies: Authorities
The suspect in a shooting outside a synagogue in Ontario, Canada, that critically injured a police officer has died, authorities said.
The shooting occurred Sunday evening outside the Sons of Jacob Congregation in Belleville, as Jewish community members were gathered to mark Yom Kippur, officials said.
The suspect fired a shotgun at a Belleville police officer who was stationed outside the synagogue, according to Ontario's Special Investigations Unit (SIU), the province's civilian police watchdog, which is investigating the shooting.
The officer returned fire and was injured in the exchange, according to SIU. A second officer arrived and also discharged his firearm at the suspect, the agency said.
The Belleville Police Service identified the injured officer as Constable Jeff Smith.
Smith and the suspect were transported to a hospital with gunshot wounds, authorities said.
The suspect -- identified by authorities as Sean Ward, 29, of Quinte West -- died on Monday, SIU said.
Smith remains in the hospital in critical-stable condition, SIU said Tuesday. Police said he has a "significant road to recovery."
The shooting remains under investigation.
"Let me be very clear: Antisemitism, hate and violence have no place in our community," Belleville Police Service Deputy Chief Sheri Meeks said during a press briefing on Monday. "Every person deserves to feel safe when attending a place of worship, gathering with loved ones or participating in community life."
Meeks said police have increased patrols throughout the city, including around places of worship, in the wake of the shooting.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford condemned the shooting, saying he was "disgusted."
"My thoughts are with the Jewish community in Belleville and across Ontario, who have every right to gather and worship safely and without fear," he said in a statement on Sunday.
"My thoughts are also with the police officer who was shot, along with their family and loved ones," the statement continued. "We owe an immense debt of gratitude to this brave officer and to all the first responders who acted so quickly to keep the community safe."
The Sons of Jacob Congregation is described on its website as a "diverse, forward thinking Conservative shul" and Belleville's only synagogue.
