Police Chief: Belleville Synagogue Shooter Had Means and Motive for Mass Casualty Attack
Belleville Police Chief Murray Rodd stated that Sean Ward, who ambushed Const. Jeff Smith near Sons of Jacob Synagogue during Yom Kippur services, possessed the means and motive to carry out a mass casualty event targeting the Jewish community.
Belleville Police Chief Murray Rodd announced that Sean Ward, the gunman who seriously wounded Constable Jeff Smith in an ambush outside the Sons of Jacob Synagogue, had both the means and the motive to execute a mass casualty attack against the city's Jewish community. The incident occurred on Sunday just after 7 p.m., during Yom Kippur services.
Ward, identified as a 29-year-old resident of Quinte West, shot Constable Smith multiple times in the head and body while the officer was parked outside the synagogue. According to police, Ward used a shotgun and had access to a significant amount of ammunition as well as combustible materials in his vehicle. During the confrontation, the gunman reportedly shouted, "You are going to die for the Jews."
Chief Rodd described the shooting as a hate-motivated crime specifically targeting members of the Jewish community. One of the synagogue’s street-facing windows was pierced by several bullets during the attack.
Constable Michael McCurdy arrived at the scene after Smith was wounded and moved toward the danger, helping to stop the shooter from entering the building. Police noted that Smith was alone on the scene for approximately three minutes before McCurdy arrived. Ward died in hospital on Monday night following life-threatening injuries sustained in the shootout with officers.
Ontario’s Special Investigations Unit (SIU) is investigating the officer-involved shooting. Community leaders have expressed gratitude for the police protection but warned of ongoing threats against Jewish institutions, calling for increased security presence at synagogues.