Suspect in Belleville synagogue shooting remains in critical condition, officer hospitalized

Authorities say a man from Quinte West, identified as a former Canadian Armed Forces corporal, opened fire on an active-duty Belleville Police Service officer outside a synagogue as worshippers started Yom Kippur services. The officer, Sean Ward, sustained multiple gunshot wounds and was revived at the scene before being taken to Kingston General Hospital, where he remains in life-threatening condition and a post-mortem has been arranged.

The suspect, who exchanged gunfire with Ward, is likewise listed in life-threatening condition at the same hospital, with a post-mortem also scheduled. The Canadian Armed Forces confirmed the suspect's service record, noting he served with the Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry from July 2017 until his release in June 2022 without deployment. Investigators have provided limited details, and the situation remains under active investigation.