Belleville Police Chief Confirms Synagogue Shooting Was Hate-Motivated Attack
Belleville Police Chief Murray Rodd confirmed that the shooting near the Sons of Jacob Synagogue was a deliberate, hate-motivated attack by gunman Sean Ward. Constable Jeff Smith was ambushed and shot multiple times but continued to engage the shooter until a second officer arrived. Federal Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree condemned the act and promised security support for the community.
Belleville Police Chief Murray Rodd stated on Sunday that the shooting near the Sons of Jacob Synagogue was a deliberate, hate-motivated attack carried out by gunman Sean Ward. According to police, Ward had the means to cause mass casualties during the incident.
Constable Jeff Smith was ambushed and shot multiple times. Despite his injuries, which required multiple surgeries, Smith continued to defend congregants and engage the shooter. Police video evidence shows Ward shouting "You are going to die for the Jews" while engaging with Constable Smith. Smith remained alone in the confrontation for approximately two minutes and 47 seconds before Constable Michael McCurdy arrived to join the gunfight and neutralize Ward.
Doug Lobel, a member of the synagogue, praised the officers' actions, noting that Constable Smith kept defending congregants despite being wounded until the second officer arrived. Steven Shulman, CEO of Jewish Federations of Canada, described the assault as an escalation of attacks on the Jewish community, stating that it would have been a massacre without police heroism.
Federal Court documents indicate that Sean Ward was released from the Canadian Armed Forces after refusing the COVID-19 vaccine on religious grounds and suing for $1 million in damages. Police also reported that Ward had combustible materials in his vehicle at the time of the incident.
Federal Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree condemned the shooting as a "horrific act of hate" and committed to providing security supports through the Security Infrastructure Program. Synagogue President Norm Weddum expressed relief that the attack was classified as hate-motivated and stated that the synagogue plans to reopen soon to help the community heal.