Hours after the shooting ouside an Ontario synagogue Sunday evening, the police released the identity of the cop who was grievously injured in the exchange of fire. Constable Jeff Smith has a long recovery ahead but he is making encouraging progress, Belleville Police Service deputy chief Sheri Meeks said. The suspected shooter was identified as 29-year-old Sean Ward who was in life-threanening condition.“It’s my understanding that he was very critical and was (vital signs absent), but was sort of brought back to life, so to speak,” the province’s Special Investigations Unit (SIU) spokesperson Kristy Denette. said, noting he sustained “multiple strikes from the officer.”Both the officer and the shooter are being treated at Kingston General Hospital.The exchange of gunfire took place outside the synagogue where worshippers had gathered to mark Yom Kippur Sunday evening.Denette said preliminary evidence suggested Ward arrived in a black pickup truck just after 7 pm. with a shotgun, which he fired at Smith, who was already on the scene in an unmarked police vehicle. Smith returned fire and another officer also joined hum firing ar Ward. “I don’t have a sense of timing right now, but what I can tell you is there are dozens of bullet holes in the street behind me,” she said.“And some homes have been hit and there are some vehicles with shot-out windows, that sort of thing. So it would have been quite the scene indeed.” Denette said 20 to 30 gunshots “would be a fair estimate” based on early evidence.National Post spoke to synagogue president Doug Weddum who said the stained glass windows decorating the outside were peppered with bullets.Premier Doug Ford said he “was disgusted” and expected all responsible to be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. “My thoughts are with the Jewish community in Belleville and across Ontario, who have every right to gather and worship safely and without fear,” he said on social media.“My thoughts are also with the police officer who was shot, along with their family and loved ones. 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.”Yom Kippur, one of the most sacred days of the Jewish calendar, began at sundown on Sunday.“Jewish people must be able to worship safely. To live free, open, proud Jewish lives. Canada’s government will do everything in our power to support law enforcement in ensuring that the perpetrator is held accountable to the fullest extent of the law,” Prime Minister Mark Carney said on social media.
