The incident has "understandably raised concerns and may leave some feeling shaken, vulnerable, or fearful."

Ottawa police are increasing their presence around synagogues and other Jewish community locations across the city following a shooting outside a synagogue in Belleville on Sunday night.

The exchange of gunfire outside the Sons of Jacob Synagogue came during Yom Kippur as the community gathered to observe one of the holiest days of the Jewish calendar.

A police officer stationed outside the synagogue was seriously injured in the shooting and was reported to be in critical but stable condition. The suspect, identified as 29-year-old Sean Ward, was also injured in the shooting and died in hospital in Kingston on Monday night. A second Belleville police officer also fired their weapon during the exchange, police said in a news conference on Sept. 21.

“We know this incident may be felt deeply by many people, regardless of where it occurred,” the Ottawa Police Service said in a statement on Monday.

“Our thoughts are with the Jewish community in Belleville, the injured police officer, and all those affected by the shooting that occurred Sunday evening outside the Sons of Jacob Synagogue in Belleville.”

The incident has “understandably raised concerns and may leave some feeling shaken, vulnerable, or fearful,” Ottawa police said.

“While the circumstances and motive remain under investigation, we want Ottawa’s Jewish community to know that we hear and understand those concerns. We know that incidents like this can have an impact far beyond the immediate location and can deepen anxieties that many community members are already carrying.”

Ottawa police said they would increase their presence and patrols at synagogues and Jewish community locations across Ottawa, and were maintaining close contact with community partners, faith leaders and organizations to “remain informed of concerns and provide support where needed.”

Ottawa police said they had no information to indicate any specific threat to the Ottawa community in connection with the shooting in Belleville. Police said they would continue to monitor developments closely and would adjust their policing response as necessary.

“Everyone should be able to worship, gather, and celebrate their faith and culture without fear. Acts of violence, threats, and intimidation have no place in our community,” police said.

“We encourage anyone who sees something suspicious or concerning to report it to police. If there is an immediate threat to safety, call 911. Hate-motivated incidents, threats, and other concerns can also be reported to the Ottawa Police Service.”

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