Man and police officer wounded in exchange of gunfire near Ontario synagogue

Prefer the Guardian on GoogleA 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, authorities said.

The man was hospitalized in life-threatening condition.

The Canadian 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 and that both were taken to a hospital.

Police have not said what led to the shooting or whether the synagogue or Jewish community was targeted. They said there was no risk to public safety and asked people to avoid the area while officers investigated.

The special investigations unit, the civilian agency that investigates serious incidents involving police, said it sent investigators to the scene.

Belleville police said they would not provide further information while the investigation was under way.

Doug Ford, Ontario’s premier, said the shooting took place outside the synagogue as people gathered for Yom Kippur.

Ford said Jewish people “have every right to gather and worship safely and without fear” and called for those responsible to be arrested and prosecuted.

York regional police said there was no known threat in the region but residents should expect increased patrols at places of worship.

Sunday’s shooting comes months after Mark Carney, Canada’s prime minister, warned that the country was failing its Jewish community amid a surge in antisemitism.

Carney cited shootings at Jewish schools, firebombings of synagogues, and attacks on community centers and Jewish-owned businesses. His government announced millions in additional funding to help faith-based institutions pay for security infrastructure, training and personnel.

Synagogues in the Toronto area have also previously been targeted by gunfire. In March, shots damaged the entrances of synagogues in Vaughan and Toronto. No one was injured.

Police later arrested three suspects in connection with those shootings.

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• Unfire happened near the Sons of Jacob Synagogue in Belleville, Ontario, about 110 miles (160km) east of Toronto