Police officer wounded in shooting outside synagogue in Belleville, Ontario, on eve of Yom Kippur

A police officer was wounded in a shooting outside the Sons of Jacob Synagogue in Belleville, Ontario, on the eve of Yom Kippur, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney confirmed on Monday.

“Jewish people must be able to worship safely. To live free, open, proud Jewish lives. Canada’s government will do everything in our power to support law enforcement in ensuring that the perpetrator is held accountable to the fullest extent of the law,” said Carney.

The officer was in critical but stable condition, according to the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. The report said an unidentified 29-year-old man, believed to be the shooter, was also hospitalized in life-threatening condition.

The incident reportedly occurred around 7 p.m. as Jews gathered ahead of prayer services on their holiest day of the year.

“This vile antisemitic violence in Canada must end, and this Liberal government must act now to protect our people,” said Canadian Opposition and Conservative Party Leader Pierre Poilievre.

“Jewish Canadians must once again be able to live in their communities and pray in their places of worship without fear of being shot at or attacked,” he added.

The synagogue’s president, Norman Weddum, told the CBC that the officer had been stationed outside the building in an unmarked car.

“I yelled for everyone to get on to the floor and the shots continued for a few more seconds, and then it was basically over,” he was quoted as saying.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford said he was “disgusted” by the shooting and that his thoughts were with the Jewish community in Belleville, “who have every right to gather and worship safely and without fear.”

“I expect that all those responsible are arrested and prosecuted to the full extent of the law,” he continued. “We owe an immense debt of gratitude to this brave officer and to all the first responders who acted so quickly to keep the community safe.”