Ontario’s Special Investigations Unit confirmed Tuesday that Sean Ward, the 29-year-old man accused of opening fire on a police officer outside a Belleville synagogue during Yom Kippur services, died in hospital Monday night from injuries sustained in the ensuing gunfight.
What happened Sunday night
Worshippers had gathered at the Sons of Jacob Synagogue to mark the start of Yom Kippur when gunfire erupted shortly after sundown on Sept. 20, according to Belleville police and the SIU. Investigators said Ward, of neighbouring Quinte West, allegedly fired a shotgun at Const. Jeff Smith, who was parked in an unmarked cruiser at the congregation’s request as part of a long-standing security arrangement.
A second Belleville officer returned fire, and the SIU said roughly 20 to 30 shots were exchanged over a short span. Bullets struck nearby vehicles, homes and a street-facing stained-glass panel at the synagogue, though none of the two dozen people inside the building were injured, synagogue president Norman Weddum told CBC News.
Officer condition and suspect death
Smith remained hospitalized in Kingston in stable condition Tuesday, the SIU said, after suffering serious wounds during the confrontation. Ward was taken to the same hospital in life-threatening condition and died there Monday night, spokesperson Kristy Denette said.
A post-mortem examination was scheduled for Wednesday in Kingston. The SIU investigates cases involving Ontario police that result in death or serious injury, while Belleville police conduct a parallel criminal probe into Ward’s actions and any possible motive.
Motive still unclear
Authorities have not said whether Ward targeted the Jewish community, the synagogue itself or the officer stationed outside. Deputy Chief Sheri Meeks told reporters Monday that police would not release further investigative details while the SIU review proceeds. Detectives have been canvassing Quinte West neighbours and reviewing Ward’s online activity, but no manifesto or prior threats to the congregation have been disclosed.
Jewish community leaders across Ontario expressed relief that congregants escaped physical harm but warned that the timing—on the holiest day of the Jewish calendar—had deepened fear. Ottawa police issued a statement acknowledging concern among local Jewish residents while underscoring that the Belleville circumstances remain under investigation.
What comes next
Weddum said services would resume once repairs to the damaged window and security perimeter are complete. The SIU must determine whether the officers’ use of force was legally justified; its findings are forwarded to the provincial director of public prosecutions when complete.
For now, Belleville faces a pair of parallel inquiries—one into police conduct, one into how a shotgun attack unfolded steps from a holiday service—without a public explanation for Ward’s alleged actions. Ontario Premier Doug Ford said provincial officials would offer security grants to faith groups reviewing holiday protocols, while federal Public Safety Minister spokespeople said Ottawa is monitoring hate-crime statistics but declined to comment on an active SIU file.
