In Canada: Exchange of Gunfire Near Belleville Synagogue Injures Two, Including Police Officer

Date: September 20, 2026
Reporter: Emilly Jordan

An exchange of gunfire near a synagogue in Belleville, Ontario, on Sunday evening injured two people, including a police officer, prompting an investigation by the province’s Special Investigations Unit (SIU).

The incident occurred at approximately 7:10 p.m. near Bleecker Avenue and Victoria Avenue, close to the Sons of Jacob Synagogue, where members of the Jewish community had gathered to mark Yom Kippur. According to Ontario’s police watchdog, an officer encountered an unidentified man in the area and an exchange of gunfire followed. Both the officer and the man were injured and transported to hospital for treatment. One of the injured men was reported to be in life-threatening condition.

Police have not said whether the synagogue itself was the intended target of the shooting. The circumstances leading to the exchange of gunfire remain under investigation, and authorities have not publicly released the identities of those involved.

The SIU, which investigates incidents involving police that result in death, serious injury or allegations of certain offences, has taken over the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting. Belleville police said an officer and another individual were injured during the interaction and that both were taken to hospital.

The Sons of Jacob Synagogue in Belleville was shot at tonight while worshippers gathered for Yom Kippur. This was a photo sent to me by a worshipper.

An officer was on duty and is being called a hero.

This is disgraceful.

No Jewish person in Belleville should ever have to fear… pic.twitter.com/1xQOl489QA

— Ryan Williams 🇨🇦 | The Competition Guy (@Ryan_r_Williams) September 21, 2026

The shooting occurred as people were observing Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar. Reports from the scene indicated that police vehicles and officers responded in large numbers, with the area around the synagogue placed under police presence as investigators worked to establish what happened.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford condemned the shooting and expressed concern for the Jewish community in Belleville and across the province. He also expressed support for the injured police officer and other first responders who responded to the incident.

Authorities have not indicated that the shooting was connected to a broader threat, and investigators have not established whether the synagogue or the Yom Kippur gathering was specifically targeted. The investigation remains ongoing as police and the SIU work to determine the sequence of events that led to the exchange of gunfire.