Police Officer Wounded Neutralizing Gunman Firing at Canadian Synagogue on Yom Kippur

A police officer was injured and hospitalized after neutralizing a gunman who opened fire on the "Bnei Jacob" synagogue in Belleville, Canada, on Sunday evening, the eve of Yom Kippur. Dozens of members of the Jewish community had gathered for evening prayers around 7:00 PM local time when shots were heard, continuing for "at least two to three minutes," according to eyewitnesses. Community members reported that dozens of bullets penetrated the synagogue's windows.

The injured officer, who was present to provide security for the Yom Kippur prayers, returned fire and subdued the assailant. "This officer is a hero," one worshipper texted. The gunman, who was in critical condition, was reportedly targeting Jews at the synagogue, with approximately 20 bullet holes found in the windows serving as evidence.

Norman Vedum, president of the Bnei Jacob synagogue, described the terrifying moments, stating, "We started letting people into the synagogue and then we heard the first shots. It was boom, boom, boom, boom. Then it happened again." He recounted shouting for everyone to get down and closing the doors to the sanctuary as the gunfire continued, including through the stained-glass window.

Israel's Ambassador to Canada, Ido Moed, called the incident a "terrorist event on the eve of Yom Kippur," praising the police's bravery while emphasizing the need for immediate action to protect Canada's Jewish community. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stated that "Jews must be able to practice their faith in safety" and pledged the government's full cooperation with law enforcement to ensure the shooter is held accountable.

The incident draws parallels to last year's attack on the Heaton Park synagogue in Manchester, England, where two people were killed in a stabbing and ramming attack during prayers. In that event, the attacker, Jihad Al-Shami, was killed at the scene after a rabbi intervened.