Carney condemns shooting outside Ontario synagogue during Yom Kippur

September 21, 2026 at 11:48 PM2 min

This digest was compiled by AI from multiple sources — links to the originals are below.

A shooting outside the Sons of Jacob Synagogue in Belleville, Ontario, on Sunday night left a police officer critically injured and a suspect in life-threatening condition. Prime Minister Mark Carney condemned the violence, saying Jewish people must be able to worship safely. Ontario Premier Doug Ford and opposition leader Pierre Poilievre also denounced the attack.

Key Facts

The shooting occurred around 19:00 local time on Sunday night outside the Sons of Jacob Synagogue in Belleville, Ontario, during Yom Kippur.
Around 20 to 30 shots were fired, leaving the suspect in life-threatening condition and one officer in critical but stable condition.
Ontario's Special Investigations Unit spokesperson Kristy Denette said the officer returned fire and another officer discharged their firearm as well.
Belleville Police Service Deputy Chief Sheri Meeks said the service has increased patrols and will maintain a heightened presence around the city, including near places of worship.
Toronto police, about 187 km from Belleville, said they were increasing patrols outside synagogues and places of worship out of an abundance of caution.

The Shooting

A suspect armed with a shotgun opened fire on a police officer stationed outside the Sons of Jacob Synagogue in Belleville, Ontario, on Sunday night during Yom Kippur. The shooting occurred around 19:00 local time, according to Ontario's Special Investigations Unit spokesperson Kristy Denette. The officer returned fire and another officer discharged their firearm as well, Denette said. Around 20 to 30 shots were fired, leaving the suspect in life-threatening condition and one officer in critical but stable condition. Police have not provided a motive or said whether the synagogue was targeted.

Political Condemnation

Prime Minister Mark Carney wrote on X that Jewish people must be able to worship safely and live free, open, proud Jewish lives. Ontario Premier Doug Ford said he is disgusted by the shooting and that members of the Jewish community have every right to gather and worship safely and without fear. Canadian opposition leader Pierre Poilievre wrote on social media that this vile antisemitic violence in Canada must end and urged Carney's government to act now to protect our people.

Police Response

Deputy Chief Sheri Meeks said the Belleville Police Service has increased patrols and will maintain a heightened presence around the city, including near places of worship. The police service is still investigating the incident, as is the SIU, a watchdog that investigates officer-involved shootings. Police in Toronto, about 187 km away from Belleville, also said they were increasing patrols outside synagogues and places of worship out of an abundance of caution.