RismadarVoice Reporters
September 21, 2026
A police officer was shot near a synagogue in Belleville, Ontario, Canada, on Sunday evening as members of the Jewish community gathered to observe Yom Kippur, officials said.
The Belleville Police Service said the incident occurred at about 7:10 p.m. near the intersection of Bleecker Avenue and Victoria Avenue, where the Sons of Jacob Synagogue is located.
According to the police, the officer encountered an individual in the area before both people sustained injuries and were taken to hospital.
“The officer and the individual sustained injuries and were transported to the hospital,” the police said in a statement.
Authorities did not immediately disclose the conditions of either person or provide details about what led to the shooting.
Police said there was no longer any threat to public safety.
The shooting occurred as members of the Jewish community were gathering at the synagogue for Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar.
The Sons of Jacob Synagogue said no one inside the facility was injured but announced that all Yom Kippur services had been cancelled following the incident.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford expressed support for the injured officer and other emergency responders.
“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,” Mr Ford said.
He also expressed solidarity with the Jewish community in Belleville and across Ontario, saying people should be able to worship safely.
Following the shooting, York Regional Police said it would increase patrols and maintain a visible presence around places of worship.
The circumstances surrounding the shooting, including the identities of those involved and the reason for the encounter, had not been disclosed as of Monday.
The incident remains under investigation.
