Updated

Updated · CBS New York · Sep 21

Ontario Gunfire Near Synagogue Wounds 2 on Yom Kippur as Man Lands in Critical Condition

Updated

Updated · CBS New York · Sep 21

Ontario Gunfire Near Synagogue Wounds 2 on Yom Kippur as Man Lands in Critical Condition

Q: What chilling motive drove an armed man to a Belleville synagogue on Yom Kippur before a heroic officer intercepted him?

The most likely motive appears to have been an antisemitic attack targeting Jewish worshippers gathered for Yom Kippur, though police had not formally confirmed motive at the time of the reports. That inference comes from key facts reported from the scene: the armed man approached the Sons of Jacob Synagogue during services, gunfire struck the building, and synagogue president Norm Weddum said the suspect was “targeting the Jewish people in the synagogue.” He said the officer, who had been hired for security, intercepted the man before he could get inside and likely saved lives. Weddum described more than 20 bullet holes in the synagogue’s windows, with congregants forced to take cover on the floor. Authorities have been more cautious publicly. Belleville police and Ontario’s Special Investigations Unit said only that an officer encountered an individual near the synagogue and that both were wounded in an exchange of gunfire. The SIU said the man was in life-threatening condition. Officials did not immediately say what led to the shooting or officially declare the synagogue the target. Still, the timing and location intensified concern. The shooting happened as Jewish community members gathered for Yom Kippur, and Ontario leaders condemned it as an attack on the right to worship safely. Toronto and other police services increased patrols around synagogues and places of worship afterward, reflecting broader fears about rising antisemitic violence.

3 articles · Updated · CBS New York · Sep 21

A police officer and a man were wounded Sunday evening in a gunfire exchange near Belleville's Sons of Jacob Synagogue, with the man hospitalized in life-threatening condition.
Around 7:10 p.m., the officer encountered the man outside the synagogue as worshippers gathered for Yom Kippur; authorities have not said what triggered the shooting or whether the Jewish community was targeted.
Witnesses inside the synagogue heard gunfire and took cover, while Belleville police said there was no ongoing public-safety risk and asked people to avoid the area during the investigation.
Ontario's Special Investigations Unit has taken over the case, and officials including Premier Doug Ford condemned the shooting as police in the wider region increased patrols at places of worship.
The incident comes amid heightened concern over antisemitic violence in Canada, after recent shootings at Ontario synagogues and federal moves to boost security funding for faith-based institutions.