# Belleville synagogue shooting > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/belleville-synagogue-shooting > Updated: 2026-09-23T12:56:07.000Z. Sources: 53. Developments: 2. During Yom Kippur services in Belleville, Ontario, an armed individual engaged in a shootout with police outside the Sons of Jacob Synagogue. The suspect, identified as 29-year-old Sean Ward, approached the building and allegedly opened fire with a shotgun. The exchange of gunfire left Constable Jeff Smith, who was stationed outside for protection, in critical but stable condition, while Ward later died in the hospital. No worshippers were injured during the incident, though bullets struck the synagogue and nearby property. Investigations are being conducted by the Belleville police and the Special Investigations Unit. Ward was a former member of the Canadian Armed Forces, having served from 2017 to 2022. Reports indicate he may have been released following a refusal to receive the COVID-19 vaccine and had expressed antisemitic conspiracy theories. While a formal motive has not been officially confirmed, local officials and synagogue leadership have characterized the attack as a targeted event against the Jewish community. Defence Minister David McGuinty expressed concern regarding the suspect’s military background, and Justice Minister Sean Fraser addressed the incident in the context of rising antisemitism. ## Claims - The suspect, 29-year-old Sean Ward of Quinte West, died in the hospital following the shootout. (corroborated by 4 sources) - Constable Jeff Smith was critically injured during the exchange of gunfire. (corroborated by 4 sources) - Sean Ward opened fire on Constable Jeff Smith with a shotgun during a shootout near a synagogue. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Sean Ward served in the Canadian Armed Forces from July 2017 until June 2022. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Ward was reportedly released from the military after refusing COVID-19 vaccinations. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The suspect had reportedly voiced antisemitic conspiracies. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The synagogue described the incident as a targeted attack against the Jewish community. (single source) - The Special Investigations Unit is investigating the officer-involved shooting. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-23: Belleville synagogue shooting: Suspect and officer injured in shootout A former Canadian soldier died following a shootout with police outside a synagogue in Belleville, Ontario, during Yom Kippur. One officer was critically injured in the attack. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/belleville-synagogue-shooting-former-soldier-dies-after-shootout-with-police ### 2026-09-21: Belleville synagogue shooting leaves officer wounded and suspect dead A shooting outside a Belleville, Ontario synagogue during Yom Kippur left a police officer wounded and killed the suspect, 29-year-old Sean Ward, a former Canadian Armed Forces member. 50 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/belleville-police-officer-and-suspect-injured-in-ontario-incident --- Cite as: Belleville synagogue shooting. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/belleville-synagogue-shooting