A police officer and a man were injured in an exchange of gunfire near a synagogue in Belleville, Ontario, as members of the Jewish community gathered to observe Yom Kippur, authorities said.
The shooting happened at about 7:10 p.m. Sunday near Bleecker Avenue and Victoria Avenue, close to the Sons of Jacob Synagogue. Belleville police said an officer encountered a man in the area, after which both individuals were injured and taken to hospital.
The man was reported to be in life-threatening condition, while details about the police officer’s condition were not immediately released.
Ontario’s Special Investigations Unit (SIU), the province’s civilian police watchdog, has taken over the investigation because a police officer was involved in the shooting. Investigators are working to establish what led to the exchange of gunfire and the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Authorities have not confirmed whether the Sons of Jacob Synagogue or members of the Jewish community were specifically targeted. Police said there was no ongoing threat to public safety, while asking residents to avoid the area as investigators worked at the scene.
The incident occurred as Jewish community members were gathering to mark Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar. Ontario Premier Doug Ford condemned the shooting and expressed support for the Jewish community and the injured police officer.
The shooting comes amid wider concerns about antisemitism and security at Jewish institutions in Canada. Earlier this year, Prime Minister Mark Carney highlighted attacks against Jewish schools, synagogues and community institutions, while the federal government announced additional funding to strengthen security at faith-based organizations.
Police and SIU investigators are expected to provide additional information as the investigation progresses.
For now, officials have urged the public to avoid speculation about the motive or circumstances until investigators establish the facts.
Swifteradio.com
