Belleville Synagogue Shooting: Officer, Gunman Wounded

A police officer and a gunman were wounded Sunday night when gunfire erupted at the Sons of Jacob Synagogue in Belleville, Ontario, as worshippers gathered to observe Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar. The Belleville synagogue shooting left the suspected shooter in life-threatening condition and triggered increased patrols at places of worship across southern Ontario.

What happened at the Belleville synagogue shooting?

Belleville Police said the officer encountered an armed individual near Bleecker Avenue and Victoria Avenue at approximately 7:10 p.m. on Sunday, September 20, 2026, and an exchange of gunfire followed. Both the officer and the man were taken to hospital. The man was reported in life-threatening condition, while the officer was recovering.

Around 20 people were inside the synagogue at the time of the shooting, but no worshippers were injured, according to authorities. Witnesses told local media they heard at least 20 shots and described what sounded like multiple weapons. Photos posted by former area MP Ryan Williams appeared to show more than a dozen bullet holes in the synagogue's stained-glass windows.

The synagogue sits roughly 180 kilometres (110 miles) east of Toronto. The attack is the latest in a troubling pattern of antisemitic violence in Canada that has alarmed Jewish communities nationwide.

Investigation and police response

Ontario's Special Investigations Unit (SIU), the civilian police watchdog that probes serious incidents involving officers, has launched an investigation into the police-involved shooting. Belleville Police deployed armoured vehicles and drones to search the area for any additional suspects, but authorities said it appears the shooter acted alone and there is no active threat to public safety.

As a precaution, Toronto Police and York Regional Police increased patrols at synagogues and Jewish community centres. The heightened response follows similar Toronto synagogue attacks in March, when multiple places of worship were shot at; no one was injured, and three suspects were arrested.

Political reaction and community impact

Ontario Premier Doug Ford condemned the shooting and said Jewish residents must be able to worship safely.

“I am disgusted by the shooting at the synagogue tonight as members of the Jewish community gathered to observe Yom Kippur,” Ford said. “Jewish people have every right to worship safely and without fear. Those responsible must be arrested and fully prosecuted.”

Belleville's mayor called the incident “a tragic day” and said the community's thoughts are with the Jewish community. Authorities said a special police team is investigating the attack, and residents were asked to avoid the area while evidence was collected.

Experts in hate crime prosecution say the timing of the attack, on Yom Kippur, may be a significant factor as investigators examine whether the synagogue was specifically targeted. Police have not yet confirmed a motive.

FAQ: Belleville synagogue shooting

Where did the Belleville synagogue shooting happen?

The shooting occurred outside the Sons of Jacob Synagogue near Bleecker and Victoria Avenues in Belleville, Ontario, about 110 miles east of Toronto.

How many people were injured in the synagogue shooting?

Two people were injured: a police officer and the suspected gunman. No worshippers inside the synagogue were hurt.

Was the synagogue targeted?

Police have not confirmed whether the synagogue or Jewish community was targeted, but the shooting occurred while worshippers observed Yom Kippur.

What is Yom Kippur?

Yom Kippur is the Day of Atonement, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, marked by fasting and prayer.

Who is investigating the Belleville shooting?

Belleville Police are investigating the attack, and Ontario's Special Investigations Unit is probing the police-involved shooting.