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Belleville synagogue shooting was hate-motivated crime, police chief says

Police say Sean Ward had the means to cause mass casualties and shouted antisemitic threats before opening fire outside the synagogue.

  • On Thursday, Belleville Police Chief Murray Rodd declared the shooting outside the Sons of Jacob Synagogue a "hate-motivated crime" and "deliberate attack directed at members of the Jewish community."
  • Before firing on an officer Sunday, shooter Sean Ward shouted "you're going to die for the Jews," according to Chief Rodd; Ward was a former Canadian Armed Forces member released in 2022.
  • Const. Jeff Smith, hailed as a hero for his intervention, remains hospitalized with multiple gunshot wounds to his head and body; Smith faces a "long, difficult road" ahead, his wife said.
  • The Sons of Jacob Synagogue congregation stated Wednesday, "We will never know what might have happened inside our synagogue had Const. Smith not been there," as Toronto's Jewish community raised over $500,000 for Smith.
  • While investigators continue probing the Sunday night attack, Rodd confirmed Smith is "making progress every day" following multiple surgeries; officials stated Ward had the means to cause mass casualties.
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Airdrie City View broke the news on Thursday, September 24, 2026.
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