UPDATE: SIU Releases New Details Following Belleville East End Shooting at Sons of Jacob Synagogue
New details have emerged following Sunday night's shooting at the Sons of Jacob Synagogue in Belleville's east end from Belleville Police and Ontario's Special Investigations Unit (SIU).
Belleville Police Deputy Chief Sheri Meeks has identified the 29-year-old suspect as Sean Ward, of Quinte West.
Belleville Police Constable, Jeff Smith, who was stationed outside the synagogue, was seriously wounded during the exchange of gunfire between himself and the suspect.
Smith remains in ICU in critical condition but is stable.
Ontario's Special Investigations Unit (SIU) says Ward was armed with a rifle when an exchange of gunfire with police occurred.
Ward also suffered gunshot wounds and remains in life-threatening condition.
The shooting occurred in front of the Sons of Jacob Synagogue, at the intersection of Victoria Avenue and Bleecker Avenue, while members of Belleville's Jewish community were gathering to observe Yom Kippur.
SIU Investigation Underway
The SIU has assigned four investigators and two forensic investigators to the case.
Anyone with information, photographs or video is asked to contact the SIU at 1-800-787-8529 or through its online witness portal.
Synagogue President Describes Shooting as Hate-Motivated Attack
The synagogue's president has publicly described the shooting as a hate-motivated attack and said he believes the Jewish congregation was deliberately targeted. He has also said the armed man was in front of the synagogue, rather than simply near it.
Authorities have confirmed what are now 24 apparent bullet holes in a stained-glass window.
Former Bay of Quinte MP Ryan Williams also raised concerns Sunday night that the synagogue and its congregation had been targeted. Williams shared a photograph of the apparent window damage, which he said had been sent to him by a worshipper.
The photograph shared by Williams and his statement can be seen below.
Witness accounts included in our initial coverage described what was believed to be an attempt by the armed man to gain entry to the synagogue.
His motive remains under investigation.
Officer Praised as a Hero
Constable Jeff Smith has received widespread recognition for his actions during the shooting.
We join those recognizing Constable Smith as a hero for his actions Sunday night and the courage shown during an extraordinarily dangerous situation.
Belleville Police previously confirmed there was no further threat to public safety.
The SIU investigation remains active.
Our thoughts remain with Constable Smith, his family, and everyone affected by Sunday night's violence. We wish him strength and a speedy recovery
Our thoughts also remain with Belleville's Jewish community during this difficult time.
To keep updated with our latest news, check out our other articles at www.smalltownproductions.org/news
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