- Former soldier who blamed Jews for COVID-19 was suspected in the Yom Kippur synagogue shooting that occurred in Ontario.
- The suspect has died, according to officials.
- Ward was a former soldier: Canada’s Department of National Defence confirmed he joined the Canadian Armed Forces in July 2017, served as an infantry soldier, and left in June 2022 with the rank of corporal. Military sources said he had voiced antisemitic conspiracy theories blaming Jews for COVID-19.
- Investigators estimate that between 20 and 30 shots were fired, and bullets struck the synagogue’s stained-glass windows and nearby vehicles and homes, but none of the worshippers inside were physically injured.
- Witnesses described the harrowing scene: Norman Weddum, president of the synagogue, heard gunfire as congregants were still entering, and Douglas Lobel, who was inside, said the exchange seemed to last “like forever” and credited the officer: “The officer outside saved our lives.”
- In the aftermath, about 150 people gathered in Belleville for a rally in support of the Jewish community, and the synagogue planned to resume services after repairs and security enhancements, including additional cameras and protective window coverings.
Sean Ward, 29, died in a hospital following a shootout with police outside a synagogue in Ontario during Yom Kippur services. The incident occurred as approximately 25 worshippers gathered for Kol Nidre, with Ward reportedly firing 20 to 30 shots at Const. Jeff Smith, who was stationed outside.34
Const. Smith was seriously wounded but is in stable condition. Norman Weddum, president of the synagogue, noted that congregants were entering the building when the gunfire erupted, and Douglas Lobel, a witness, stated, “The officer outside saved our lives.”91011
Ontario’s Special Investigations Unit is investigating, with spokesperson Kristy Denette suggesting the attack could be viewed as a terrorist act against the Jewish community. Michael Kerzner, Ontario’s Solicitor General, labeled the shooting antisemitic, emphasizing that police had averted a potential massacre.
Ward, who served in the Canadian Armed Forces from July 2017 to June 2022, had previously expressed conspiracy theories linking Jews to the COVID-19 pandemic. Following the attack, around 150 people rallied in Belleville to support the Jewish community. The synagogue plans to resume services and enhance security measures, including installing additional cameras and protective window coverings.561213
“The attack, which officials called antisemitic, saw 20-30 shots fired, striking stained-glass windows and nearby homes, but no worshippers were injured. Ontario's solicitor general said police prevented a 'massacre in the making,' and about 150 people rallied in support of the Jewish community.”
Ynetnews
