The Southeastern Ontario police constable who was critically injured in a shootout outside a synagogue last month is “improving each day,” Belleville’s chief of police says.
Const. Jeff Smith continues to make “steady progress” through his recovery journey which has included multiple surgeries, Chief Murray Rodd said in a statement released on social media this week.
“Considering the extent of his injuries, he is doing remarkably well, and we remain encouraged by his resilience and recovery,” Rodd said.
Smith sustained gunshot wounds to his head and body when a lone shooter targeted the Sons of Jacob synagogue in a residential area of Belleville on Sept. 20, police said. Smith had been stationed outside the place of worship as the Jewish community celebrated Yom Kippur.
Police identified 29-year-old Quinte West resident Sean Ward as the suspect in the shooting.
Ward was also injured during the incident. He died at the scene of the shooting but was revived by emergency responders, police said. Both he and Smith were rushed to Kingston General Hospital for treatment but Ward succumbed to his injuries the following day.
Rodd thanked the public for the outpouring of support in the wake of the shooting.
“Every message, letter, card, and well wish received from across Ontario and beyond has been deeply appreciated,” he said.
Rodd said police have met with officials, community representatives, and public safety leaders to reinforce the “commitment” of the Belleville Police Service to protecting the community against hate crimes and violence.
Rodd confirmed during a Sept. 24 press conference that the Yom Kippur shooting was a hate crime, targeting the Jewish community.
“The suspect had the means, the motive, and the mechanisms to cause a mass casualty and the destruction of the Jewish synagogue, the loss of life, and irreversible damage that could have rippled through our community for generations,” the police chief said during the press conference.
Worshippers were gathered at the Sons of Jacob synagogue on Sept. 20 to observe Yom Kippur, Judaism’s most sacred holiday, when an armed gunman wielding a shotgun fired at Smith just after 7 p.m. Smith was shot while sitting in his cruiser outside the synagogue but exited his vehicle to return fire despite his injuries.
Rodd said Smith continued to return fire despite being shot “multiple times” before Const. Mike McCurdy arrived on scene to help take down the suspect.
The Special Investigations Unit, which investigates police-involved shootings, has confirmed that the shooter shot 20 to 30 rounds and the officers shot multiple rounds as well.
Smith’s wife, Ashley, thanked the community for the “outpouring of love and support” in a Facebook post, just three days after her husband was shot.
“Messages being sent. Prayers being said. People checking in. Hands reaching out,” she wrote. “And I know that my gratitude will never be enough.”
She also extended her condolences to the Jewish community and “every scared soul” who was in the synagogue as gunfire erupted outside.
The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) has described Smith and McCurdy as heroes and requested prayers for the recovering officer in a recent emailed newsletter.
“These heroes represent the very best of Canada. When our community was in danger, they put themselves in harm’s way to protect others,” the newsletter said. “Their bravery is an example for all Canadians of the courage and resolve required to confront this shared threat to our safety and way of life.”
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