- The suspected gunman, Sean Ward, 29, of Quinte West, Ont., died overnight at the hospital after being shot in a firefight with police near a southern Ontario synagogue.
- The Special Investigations Unit (SIU), Ontario's civilian police oversight agency, announced Ward's death, stating he died in the hospital Monday night and that a post-mortem exam was scheduled for Wednesday.
- The Canadian Department of National Defense confirmed that records indicate Ward was likely a former member of the Canadian Armed Forces, having joined in July 2012, served as an infantry soldier with the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry, and was released in June 2022 at the rank of corporal.
- Ward was not deployed during his service, and the department remains ready to assist the investigation; the SIU is investigating the police-involved shooting, while the criminal investigation is led by the Belleville Police Service.
Sean Ward, 29, of Quinte West, Ont., died in hospital following a police firefight outside the Sons of Jacob synagogue in Belleville on Yom Kippur. The incident occurred around 7 p.m. EDT, as services were underway inside the synagogue.12
Ward, armed with a shotgun, opened fire on Const. Jeff Smith, who was stationed outside. Smith and a second constable returned fire, striking Ward. Both were transported to the hospital, with Ward suffering life-threatening injuries and Smith in serious but stable condition.
The Special Investigations Unit (SIU) confirmed Ward's death on Monday night and scheduled a post-mortem exam for Wednesday. Authorities reported that upward of 30 shots were exchanged, hitting nearby residences and parked cars.
While no motive has been disclosed, SIU spokesperson Kristy Denette suggested it would be “common sense” to consider the synagogue and Belleville's Jewish community as potential targets. The Canadian Department of National Defense indicated that Ward was likely a former member of the Canadian Armed Forces, having served as an infantry soldier from July 2012 until his release in June 2022.456
The SIU is investigating the police-involved shooting, while the Belleville Police Service is conducting a criminal investigation.789
“Ward, a former Canadian Armed Forces infantry soldier with the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry, was released in June 2022 at the rank of corporal. The SIU is investigating the police-involved shooting, while the Belleville Police Service leads the criminal investigation.”
