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A police officer was shot outside of a synagogue in Ontario, Canada, on Sunday night, as Jewish community members were gathered to mark Yom Kippur, Ontario Premier Doug Ford said.
Ford condemned the incident, which occurred outside of the Sons of Jacob Synagogue in Belleview, Ontario, and called for everyone responsible to be arrested and fully prosecuted.
Belleview Police said the officer encountered an individual in the area of Bleecker Avenue and Victoria Avenue around 7 p.m.
The officer and the individual sustained injuries and were transported to hospital, Belleville Police said.
Ontario’s Special Investigations Unit (SIU), the province’s civilian police watchdog, is investigating, according to police.
Doug Ford, Ontario’s premier, wears a “Canada Is Not For Sale” hat during the First Ministers’ Meeting in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, on Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025. Liberals will decide on a new leader by March 9, which gives the winner of the contest about two weeks before Parliament returns. Photographer: David Kawai/Bloomberg via Getty Images
Bloomberg via Getty Images
“I’m disgusted by the shooting that took place outside the Sons of Jacob Synagogue in Belleville earlier this evening as Jewish community members gathered to mark Yom Kippur,” Ford said in a statement.
“My thoughts are with the Jewish community in Belleville and across Ontario, who have every right to gather and worship safely and without fear. I expect that all those responsible are arrested and prosecuted to the full extent of the law,” he added.
“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,” Ford said.
Further details about the officer’s condition were not immediately available.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
