SIU investigate after police officer, man injured in gunfire exchange near Belleville, Ont. synagogue

The Special Investigations Unit (SIU) has taken over an investigation after a police officer and man were injured in a Sunday evening exchange of gunfire near a synagogue in Belleville, Ont.

Belleville police say one of their officers encountered an individual in a residential neighbourhood around 7 p.m.

They say during an interaction, both the officer and man were injured and taken to hospital.

The officer is in critical-stable condition and the 20-year-old man is in life-threatening condition.

The incident unfolded near the Sons of Jacob Synagogue on Victoria Avenue on the evening of Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the year in Judaism.

Premier Doug Ford responded on X, saying he was “disgusted by the shooting.”

“My thoughts are with the Jewish community in Belleville and across Ontario, who have every right to gather and worship safely and without fear,” said Ford.

Four investigators and two forensic investigators have been assigned to the case.

The SIU is urging anyone with information about the investigation, including video or photos, to contact the lead investigator at 1-800-787-8529 or online.

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