Police officer wounded in shooting near synagogue on Yom Kippur

A police officer and a man were wounded in an exchange of gunfire Sunday near a synagogue in Ontario as members of the Jewish community marked Yom Kippur, authorities said. The man was hospitalized in life-threatening condition.

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 synagogue's president, Norman Weddum, told CBC News Network he was ushering people into the sanctuary to begin services when he heard gunfire.

"I could say, 'Oh, this is definitely someone … shooting here,'" he told the outlet. "So that's when we ran back into the auditorium of the synagogue, closed the doors behind us so as to not leave a visible target. And we hit the floor."

Ontario Premier Doug Ford said the shooting took place outside the synagogue as people gathered for Yom Kippur. He said in a post on social media he was "disgusted by the shooting and that Jewish people "have every right to gather and worship safely and without fear." He called for those responsible to be arrested and prosecuted.

"My thoughts are also with the police officer who was shot, along with their family and loved ones," Ford said.

"Jewish Torontonians should not need police presence to observe Yom Kippur, or to simply live their day-to-day lives," she said on social media . "As long as we contend with rising antisemitism and hate, we will spare no expense keeping the community safe."

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.

York Regional Police said there was no known threat in the region but residents should expect increased patrols at places of worship.

Prime Minister Mark Carney said Monday, "Jewish people must be able to worship safely. To live free, open, proud Jewish lives."

"Canada's government will do everything in our power to support law enforcement in ensuring that the perpetrator is held accountable to the fullest extent of the law," he said on X .

"My thoughts are with the injured officer and his family, and the entire Jewish community," he added.

Carney previously warned that Canada was failing its Jewish community amid a surge in antisemitism. He cited shootings at Jewish schools, firebombings of synagogues and attacks on community centers and Jewish-owned businesses. His government announced millions in additional funding to help faith-based institutions pay for security infrastructure, training and personnel.