Some members of the Sons of Jacob Synagogue in Belleville, Ont., took their first steps into the building Tuesday since the fatal shootout nearby on Sunday night.
“It’s kind of eerie to first step back in here,” said Norm Weddum, president of the synagogue.
“We’re all kind of looking at the damage … it’s kind of surreal.”
Congregants gathered at the synagogue for Sunday’s Yom Kippur services were forced to take cover on the floor around 7 p.m when a gunman fired at a police officer in an unmarked car outside.
Const. Jeff Smith suffered serious injuries during the shootout with the 29-year-old shooter, Sean Ward, and a second officer who joined the exchange, officials said in a Monday news conference.
Ontario’s Special Investigations Unit (SIU) said Tuesday Smith remains in stable condition and that Ward died Monday night.
Suspect in Belleville, Ont., shooting is dead, SIU says
Weddum said he counted two dozen bullet holes in the synagogue’s street-facing stained-glass windows.
He added that while he is glad to be allowed back in, he fears Ward’s death will leave the community looking for answers.
“I’m kind of sad he died because I really wanted to find out his motive.… The police would have eventually questioned him.”
The investigation into Sunday’s events is ongoing. It’s unclear if the shooting was targeting Smith, Sons of Jacob or the city’s Jewish community.
A spokesperson for the Department of National Defence said Tuesday that Ward joined the Canadian Armed Forces in July 2017, that he served as an infantry soldier with Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry and was a corporal when he was released in June 2022 without having been deployed.
Neighbours near Ward’s home in neighbouring Quinte West said he mostly kept to himself.
Sheri Skanes said she sometimes saw him playing with a dog in the backyard.
“I just think it’s horrendous,” she said of the shooting. “It’s really sad what’s happened.”
Kevin Burley said he didn’t know the suspect personally, but did have two “confrontations” with him about speeding where he said Ward responded in a way that was “very aggressive.”
Suspect in Belleville, Ont., shooting near synagogue dies in hospital
Seeing police cars parked in their neighbourhood and hearing about the gunfire has been “very difficult to deal with,” said Burley.
“Thank God the police officer was there to save these people. In my opinion, he is a hero. I hope he has a speedy recovery.”
Weddum said one of the first things members of the synagogue want to do is celebrate Smith once he’s recovered.
The congregation of roughly 35 families is focusing on moving forward, with many feeling relief they can soon get back into the building and run programs and services, Weddum said.
Members still have to decide when to fully reopen and there are plans to eventually do a larger community gathering.
