Heroic Officer Stops Synagogue Shooter Amid Antisemitic Threats

WHO:

CBS News - Constable Jeff Smith, Constable Mike McCurdy, Sean Ward (the shooter), Belleville Police Service Chief Murray Rodd.

ABC News - A former Canadian soldier.

WHAT:

CBS News - The shooter opened fire on a police officer outside an Ontario synagogue during Yom Kippur.

CBS News - Constable Jeff Smith was shot multiple times, suffering wounds to his head and torso, but continued to fend off the gunman until Constable Mike McCurdy arrived.

CBS News - The attempted attack was classified as a "hate-motivated crime."

CBS News - The shooter had several firearms and enough ammunition to sustain a prolonged gun battle, along with containers of gasoline in his car.

CBS News - Smith's injuries include bone fractures and shrapnel inside him.

WHERE:

CBS News - The shooting took place near Sons of Jacob Synagogue in Belleville, Ontario.

WHEN:

CBS News - The shooting occurred on Yom Kippur.

WHY:

CBS News - The shooter targeted the Jewish community in a "hate-motivated" attack.

CBS News - Chief Rodd stated that the attack was a deliberate act directed at members of the Jewish community during one of the holiest observances of the year.

HOW:

CBS News - The shooter shouted “you’re going to die for the Jews” before opening fire.

CBS News - Constable Smith engaged the attacker despite suffering life-threatening injuries.

(UPDATED September 25, 2026 07:59 UTC)

In a shocking incident during Yom Kippur, a shooter opened fire on a police officer outside the Sons of Jacob Synagogue in Belleville, Ontario, targeting the Jewish community in what has been classified as a hate-motivated crime. Constable Jeff Smith was shot multiple times, suffering severe injuries, yet he continued to confront the gunman until Constable Mike McCurdy arrived to assist. The shooter, who had several firearms and shouted threats before the attack, was prepared for a prolonged confrontation, further escalating the situation during one of the holiest observances of the year.