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Constable Jeff Smith Wounded in Belleville Synagogue Shooting

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Belleville officer Jeff Smith was wounded and 29-year-old suspect Sean Ward left critical after gunfire outside an Ontario synagogue on Yom Kippur.

A police officer was seriously wounded and a suspect left fighting for his life after gunfire erupted outside a synagogue in Belleville, Ontario, on Sunday evening, as worshippers gathered to observe Yom Kippur. The Belleville Police Service named the injured officer as Constable Jeff Smith.

Deputy chief Sheri Meeks said Smith faces a lengthy recovery but is showing hopeful signs of improvement. The suspect was identified as 29-year-old Sean Ward, who remained in life-threatening condition. Both men were being treated at Kingston General Hospital.

Kristy Denette, a spokesperson for the province's Special Investigations Unit, said Ward had been so badly hurt that he briefly lost vital signs before being revived. She said he was hit by multiple rounds fired by the officer.

According to Denette, early evidence indicated Ward pulled up in a black pickup truck shortly after 7 p.m. carrying a shotgun. He opened fire on Smith, who was already at the scene in an unmarked police car. Smith fired back, and a second officer joined in returning fire at Ward.

Denette described a chaotic aftermath, pointing to dozens of bullet holes in the roadway. Some houses had been struck and vehicles left with their windows shot out. She estimated that between 20 and 30 shots were fired based on preliminary findings.

Synagogue president Doug Weddum said the building's decorative stained glass windows had been riddled with gunfire.

Yom Kippur, among the holiest days in the Jewish calendar, began at sundown on Sunday. The shooting drew swift condemnation from political leaders.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford said he was disgusted by the attack and wanted everyone responsible prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. He said his thoughts were with the Jewish community in Belleville and across the province, who deserve to worship safely and without fear, and with the wounded officer and the first responders who moved quickly to protect the community.

Prime Minister Mark Carney said Jewish people must be free to worship in safety and live openly. He said the federal government would use every means available to support police in holding the perpetrator fully accountable.

Belleville synagogue shooting, Jeff Smith constable, Sean Ward suspect, Yom Kippur attack, Ontario police shooting, Belleville Police Service, Doug Ford, Mark Carney

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