The Sept. 20, 2026, shooting outside the Sons of Jacob Synagogue in Belleville, Ont., was a premeditated, hate-motivated attack intended to cause mass casualties within the local Jewish community, according to Belleville Police Chief Murray Rodd. The gunman, identified as 29-year-old Sean Ward of Quinte West, was armed with a shotgun, significant ammunition, and combustible materials before being shot by police during the incident.
Police Detail Premeditation and Mass Casualty Intent
Belleville Police Chief Murray Rodd stated during a Thursday news conference that the late-September shooting at the synagogue was a deliberate attempt to target members of the Jewish community during a holiday service. According to police, a Yom Kippur service was underway just after 7 p.m. on Sunday when gunfire erupted outside the building.
Investigators revealed that Ward, a former Canadian Forces soldier released from the military in 2022, had conducted reconnaissance at the synagogue prior to the attack. Police played video footage during the briefing showing the suspect shouting, “You are going to die for the Jews” as gunfire was exchanged. Chief Rodd noted that the suspect possessed the means, motive, and materials to execute a mass casualty event, pointing to a significant amount of ammunition and combustible items found in his vehicle.
Officer Response and Courage Under Fire
Const. Jeff Smith of the Belleville Police Service was stationed outside the synagogue in a vehicle when Ward opened fire, striking him multiple times in the head and body. Despite suffering severe, life-threatening injuries, Const. Smith exited his cruiser and engaged the gunman.
Nearly three minutes into the exchange, Const. Mike McCurdy arrived at the scene and joined the gunfight. Chief Rodd credited the two officers with preventing an unimaginable tragedy, stating that their actions stopped the active attacker before anyone inside the synagogue could be harmed. Const. Smith sustained fractures, shrapnel wounds, and serious head trauma requiring multiple surgeries, though officials report he is making daily progress in his recovery.
Suspect Background and Ongoing Investigation
The gunman, Sean Ward, suffered life-threatening injuries during the shootout and was pronounced dead at the hospital. Officials confirmed Ward was not previously known to the Belleville Police Service. Insp.
Doug Lobel, a member of the Sons of Jacob Synagogue who was inside the building during the attack, described the incident as terrifyingly close to a major massacre. Investigators continue to process physical evidence recovered from the scene and the suspect’s residence to piece together the events leading up to the shooting.