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Suspect in shooting outside Belleville, Ont. synagogue has died
The SIU says 20 to 30 shots were fired, and investigators have not confirmed a motive as the police watchdog probes the exchange.
- On Monday night, 29-year-old Sean Ward died in hospital after exchanging gunfire with police outside a Belleville, Ont., synagogue on Sunday during Yom Kippur, the Special Investigations Unit confirmed.
- Investigators reported that Ward arrived in a truck armed with a shotgun and opened fire on an officer stationed outside Sons of Jacob Synagogue. The SIU estimated 20 to 30 shots were fired at the scene.
- Const. Jeff Smith, a 13-year veteran of the Belleville Police Service, was initially in the ICU with critical injuries but has since stabilized. The SIU noted a second police officer also discharged their firearm during the exchange.
- Special Investigations Unit Spokesperson Kristy Denette said it is "common sense" to assume the incident was hate-motivated. Reacting to the shooting Monday, Premier Doug Ford called Smith a "hero" who stopped a tragedy.
- Congregation members at Sons of Jacob Synagogue have described the attack on the holiest day of the Jewish year as a "hate crime." Police have released Ward's identity but provided few further details as the investigation continues.
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Suspect in Belleville, Ont., synagogue shooting has died, police watchdog confirms
Ontario's police watchdog says the man suspected of opening fire on a police officer outside a Belleville, Ont., synagogue on Sunday has died. Belleville police have identified the man as 29-year-old Sean Ward of Quinte West. The Special Investigatio...
Coverage Details
Total News Sources8
Leaning Left3Leaning Right0Center5Last UpdatedBias Distribution62% Center
Bias Distribution
- 62% of the sources are Center
62% Center
L 38%
C 62%
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