The Belleville synagogue shooting that injured a police officer and another man is now under investigation by Ontario’s Special Investigations Unit after an exchange of gunfire near the Sons of Jacob Synagogue on Sunday evening.
The incident happened at about 7:10 p.m. on September 20, 2026, in the area of Bleecker Avenue and Victoria Avenue, according to the Belleville Police Service. The two injured people were taken to hospital, with the man reported to be in life-threatening condition.
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Belleville Synagogue Shooting: What happened in Belleville
Police said an officer encountered an individual in the city’s east end. The interaction escalated into gunfire, leaving both the officer and the man injured.
The Sons of Jacob Synagogue is located near the intersection where the shooting occurred. Members of the Jewish community were gathered for Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, when the incident unfolded.
Early information does not establish whether the synagogue itself was the intended target. Investigators have also not publicly identified the injured man or released details about what led to the encounter.
Police said there was no continuing threat to the public. The scene remained part of an active investigation as officers and the SIU worked to document the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
SIU takes over police-involved shooting investigation
The SIU investigates incidents involving police officers when someone is killed, seriously injured, shot at, or when allegations of sexual assault arise. Its role is to determine whether there are reasonable grounds to believe an officer committed a criminal offence.
Because a Belleville police officer was injured during an exchange of gunfire, the case falls within the civilian agency’s mandate. The SIU is expected to examine the interaction, the sequence of shots, witness accounts, physical evidence and any available video.
At this stage, the public has not been told how many shots were fired, who fired first, or whether the officer was providing security at the synagogue. Those details should be treated as unconfirmed until released by investigators.
Community response and synagogue security
The shooting occurred as worshippers gathered for Yom Kippur, adding to concerns about safety at Jewish institutions and other places of worship.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford said he was appalled by the shooting and expressed support for the Jewish community and the injured officer. Police services in other parts of Ontario also indicated that they would increase visibility around synagogues and places of worship as a precaution.
A shooting near a place of worship does not, by itself, establish a hate-motivated offence. Investigators have not publicly classified the incident as a hate crime, and the possible connection between the shooting and the synagogue remains unresolved.
What happens next
The SIU’s investigation will proceed independently of the Belleville Police Service. Investigators may interview witnesses, examine the scene and collect video or other evidence before determining whether any criminal charges are warranted.
Police have not announced charges against the injured man. His medical condition, the officer’s condition and any future court process may be clarified in later updates.
Residents with information, video or photographs from the area around Bleecker Avenue and Victoria Avenue are encouraged to contact investigators through the appropriate police or SIU channels. Anyone facing an immediate danger should call 911.
Key facts at a glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Bleecker Avenue and Victoria Avenue, Belleville, Ontario |
| Date and time | Approximately 7:10 p.m. on September 20, 2026 |
| People injured | One Belleville police officer and one man |
| Medical update | Both were taken to hospital; the man was reported in life-threatening condition |
| Investigation | Ontario’s Special Investigations Unit is investigating |
| Public safety | Police reported no continuing threat |
The investigation remains active, and important questions about the motive, the sequence of events and whether the synagogue was targeted have not yet been answered.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened in the Belleville synagogue shooting?
A Belleville police officer and another man were injured in an exchange of gunfire near the Sons of Jacob Synagogue on September 20, 2026.
Was the synagogue targeted?
It has not been confirmed whether the synagogue was the intended target. The investigation remains active.
Why is the SIU investigating?
The Special Investigations Unit investigates incidents involving police officers that result in serious injury, death or a firearm being discharged at a person.
Is there still a threat to the public?
Police said there was no continuing threat to the public after the incident.
Were charges laid?
No charges have been publicly announced against the injured man, and investigators have not released a final account of what happened.
Fact-Checked: Key facts were checked against the Belleville Police Service update and Ontario Special Investigations Unit information about police-involved investigations.
Disclaimer: This report reflects information available on September 21, 2026, and may be updated as investigators release further details.