A police officer guarding a Yom Kippur service in Belleville, Ontario, was critically wounded Sunday evening after an armed man opened fire on him outside the Sons of Jacob Synagogue. About 25 worshippers were inside the building at the time. None of them were hurt.
The officer, a member of the Belleville Police Service, had been posted outside the synagogue in an unmarked vehicle to protect the holiday service. According to congregation president Norman Weddum, the officer confronted the gunman as he approached the building. Bullets struck the synagogue.
Ontario's Special Investigations Unit, which is leading the investigation, said the suspect, a 29-year-old man, arrived in a truck carrying a shotgun and fired first at the officer. The officer returned fire, and a second officer who arrived at the scene also fired. Investigators estimate that between 20 and 30 shots were fired in total.
The wounded officer is in critical but stable condition. The suspect is in life-threatening condition. Both were taken to hospital.
The remaining Yom Kippur services at the synagogue were canceled.
Prime Minister Mark Carney and Ontario Premier Doug Ford both condemned the shooting. Ford praised the officer as a hero whose actions prevented a tragedy.
Police have not announced a motive. The SIU investigation is ongoing.
Belleville is located about 190 kilometers east of Toronto.
