Suspect in Belleville synagogue shooting died in hospital

The accused in a shooting outside a synagogue in Belleville on Sunday night has died, a spokesperson for The Special Investigations Unit (SIU) confirmed.

Sean Ward, 29, from Quinte West, was shot by police during an exchange of gunfire as he approached the Sons of Jacob synagogue. He shot and injured Const. Jeff Smith, 29, and another officer returned fire. Ward was described as vital signs absent at the scene on Sunday, but taken to hospital where he was revived.

Smith is in stable condition in hospital.

“He died last night. His post-mortem will be tomorrow in Kingston,” said Kristy Denette, SIU spokesperson.

Little is known about Ward, but a picture of him in a military uniform has been circulating online, and the Canadian Forces confirmed that he was a former member.

“Our records indicate that a former Canadian Armed Forces member named Sean Ward matches the description provided. He joined the CAF in July 2017 and was released in June 2022 at the rank of corporal. He served as an infantry soldier with the Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry and did not deploy during his service,” said Andrée-Anne Poulin, spokesperson for the Department of National Defense.

Read more: Toronto Star