A police officer and a man were wounded in an exchange of gunfire near a synagogue in Belleville, Ontario, on Yom Kippur, with the man left in life-threatening condition, authorities said.
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Key facts
- A man and a police officer were wounded in an exchange of gunfire on Sunday.
- The incident occurred near the Sons of Jacob Synagogue in Belleville, Ontario.
- The man was hospitalized in life-threatening condition.
- Belleville police said the officer encountered the man at about 7.10pm.
- Belleville is about 110 miles (160km) east of Toronto.
A police officer and a man were wounded in an exchange of gunfire on Sunday near a synagogue in Ontario, Canada, as members of the Jewish community marked Yom Kippur, authorities said.
The man was hospitalized in life-threatening condition, according to officials. Both the man and the officer were taken to a hospital following the incident.
The province’s special investigations unit said the exchange of gunfire happened near the Sons of Jacob Synagogue in Belleville, Ontario, about 110 miles (160km) east of Toronto.
Belleville police said the officer encountered the man at about 7.10pm, according to the Guardian. The exchange of gunfire took place near the synagogue.
The incident coincided with Yom Kippur, one of the most significant days in the Jewish calendar, when members of the Jewish community had gathered to mark the observance.
Authorities did not immediately provide further details on the circumstances of the encounter or a possible motive.
Why it matters
An outbreak of gunfire near a place of worship on one of the holiest days in the Jewish calendar raises concerns about the safety of religious communities. The involvement of the province's special investigations unit indicates the incident will face independent scrutiny.
Frequently asked questions
Where did the shooting happen?
The exchange of gunfire happened near the Sons of Jacob Synagogue in Belleville, Ontario, about 110 miles (160km) east of Toronto.
What condition are those wounded in?
The man was hospitalized in life-threatening condition, and a police officer was also wounded. Both were taken to a hospital.
When did the incident occur?
Belleville police said the officer encountered the man at about 7.10pm on Sunday, which coincided with Yom Kippur.
Timeline
- Man and police officer wounded in gunfire near Ontario synagogue on Yom Kippur
The Guardian World: Authorities say a man was critically injured and officer was wounded in exchange of gunfire near a Belleville synagogue A police officer and a man were wounded in an exchange of gunfire Sunday near a synagogue in Ontario as members of the Jewish community marked Yom Kippur, autho
- Man and police officer wounded in exchange of gunfire near Ontario synagogue
The Guardian World: Officials say man was critically injured and officer was wounded in Yom Kippur incident near Belleville synagogue A police officer and a man were wounded in an exchange of gunfire on Sunday near a synagogue in Ontario as members of the Jewish community marked Yom Kippur, authorit