BELLEVILLE, Ont. — A Belleville police officer and an individual exchanged gunfire Sunday evening, leaving both injured outside the Sons of Jacob Synagogue, according to Premier Doug Ford, as Jewish community members gathered to mark Yom Kippur. Ontario’s Special Investigations Unit is investigating.
It happened at about 7:10 p.m. near Bleecker Avenue and Victoria Avenue. Both were taken to hospital, and the SIU was notified.
“I’m disgusted by the shooting that took place outside the Sons of Jacob Synagogue in Belleville earlier this evening as Jewish community members gathered to mark Yom Kippur,” Ford said.
“My thoughts are with the Jewish community in Belleville and across Ontario, who have every right to gather and worship safely and without fear. I expect that all those responsible are arrested and prosecuted to the full extent of the law,” Ford added.
Ford also said his thoughts were with the wounded officer, the officer’s family and loved ones, and that the province owes deep thanks to that officer and to the first responders who moved quickly to protect the community.
Belleville police department noted they are unable to provide further details on the incident at the moment, and asked the public to stay away from the scene and follow emergency crews instructions.
“We are aware of the shooting incident that took place this evening in Belleville. While there is no known threat or connection to Toronto at this time, we are increasing visibility and patrols at synagogues and other places of worship out of an abundance of caution.
“Our thoughts are with the Belleville police officer who was injured and their loved ones and colleagues,” Toronto police said in a statement posted on X.
Since 2003, Belleville police have faced SIU scrutiny in this kind of case four other times. The SIU found officers legally justified in the 2003 and 2005 cases, which caused injuries, and in a fatal 2004 shooting.
Investigation found no reasonable grounds to believe an offence occurred in a 2022 case involving a less-lethal firearm.
