A police officer and a man were wounded in an exchange of gunfire on Sunday (September 20, 2026) near a synagogue in Ontario as members of the Jewish community marked Yom Kippur, authorities said. The man was hospitalised in life-threatening condition.
Mr. The province’s Special Investigations Unit said the exchange of gunfire happened near the Sons of Jacob Synagogue in Belleville, Ontario, about 110 miles east of Toronto. Belleville police said the officer encountered the man around 7:10 p.m. and that both were taken to a hospital.
Police have not said what led to the shooting or whether the synagogue or Jewish community was targeted. They said there was no risk to public safety and asked people to avoid the area while officers investigated. The Special Investigations Unit, the civilian agency that investigates serious incidents involving police, said it sent investigators to the scene. Belleville police said they would not provide further information while the investigation was underway. Ford said Jewish people “have every right to gather and worship safely and without fear” and called for those responsible to be arrested and prosecuted. York Regional Police said there was no known threat in the region but residents should expect increased patrols at places of worship.
“My thoughts are also with the police officer who was shot, along with their family and loved ones,” Mr. Ford said.
