Canada Synagogue Attacker's Anti-Jewish Past Exposed

New details are emerging about Sean Ward, the 29-year-old from Quinte West suspected of opening fire on a police officer outside the Beit Yaakov synagogue in Belleville, Ontario during Yom Kippur. Ward was fatally wounded in the exchange of gunfire with officers and died at hospital on Monday. Belleville Police Officer Jeff Smith was seriously wounded and remains hospitalized.

Ward served as a soldier in the Canadian military, according to newly released information from the Canadian Department of Defense. He enlisted in July 2017, served in the infantry and reached the rank of corporal. He was discharged from the military in June 2022 and never participated in any overseas military deployment during his service.

Officer neutralizes terrorist in Canada (Photo: Social media)

Military sources speaking to Global News revealed that Ward's discharge came after he refused to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. The sources, who requested anonymity, said that during his military service he voiced a range of conspiracy theories about the pandemic, including spreading antisemitic claims blaming Jews for the spread of coronavirus.

The terrorist - former soldier Sean Ward, 29, from Quinte West (Photo: Social media)

Investigators are examining the background and motive behind the shooting. The incident occurred near the synagogue while approximately 25 worshippers had gathered for Yom Kippur prayers. During the attack, an estimated 20 to 30 rounds were fired, striking vehicles, homes and the area surrounding the synagogue.

Officer Jeff Smith, a 13-year veteran of the Belleville Police, was stationed at the location as part of synagogue security. According to authorities, Ward arrived around 7 p.m. in a truck, exited the vehicle armed with a shotgun and opened fire on the officer. Smith returned fire, and another officer who arrived at the scene also shot at the suspect.

Bullet holes in the Canadian synagogue (Photo: Social media)

Dozens of worshippers were inside the synagogue at the time. The synagogue president recounted that when the shooting began, congregants rushed to take cover and lay flat on the floor as gunfire continued outside the building. None of the worshippers were injured, though synagogue windows were damaged by the shooting.

The incident sent shockwaves through Canada's Jewish community, particularly given that the shooting occurred on Yom Kippur eve. Authorities have increased police presence around synagogues and houses of worship throughout the region.