A police officer and a man were wounded in an exchange of gunfire on Sunday near the Sons of Jacob Synagogue in Belleville, Ontario. Authorities stated the man was hospitalised in life-threatening condition.
The incident occurred as members of the Jewish community gathered to mark Yom Kippur. Belleville police said the officer encountered the man at approximately 7.10pm, and both were taken to a hospital.
Ontario's special investigations unit, a civilian agency, has sent investigators to the scene. Police have not disclosed what led to the shooting or whether the synagogue or Jewish community was targeted. They stated there was no risk to public safety and asked people to avoid the area.
Ontario's Premier, Doug Ford, expressed his disgust at the shooting, stating that Jewish people have a right to worship safely. York regional police announced increased patrols at places of worship in their region, though they reported no known threat there.