Belleville authorities are currently investigating the distribution of antisemitic flyers in the city, following a recent incident where a gunman was killed while attempting to attack a local synagogue during Yom Kippur. The police released a brief statement on Thursday afternoon confirming the investigation but did not provide specific details about the content of the flyers, their distribution timeline, or exact locations within the city, other than mentioning the east end.
The same area in Belleville where the flyers were found is where the attempted attack on the Sons of Jacob Synagogue took place. The gunman, identified as Sean Ward, engaged in a shootout with Belleville police officers Const. Jeff Smith and Const. Michael McCurdy, resulting in Ward’s fatal injury. Chief Murray Rodd stated that Const. Smith sustained multiple gunshot wounds and will undergo several surgeries as a result.
Belleville law enforcement officials emphasized their ongoing communication with community leaders and proactive measures to ensure the safety of the community, including increased patrols around religious institutions and other communal areas. They have urged anyone with information regarding the antisemitic flyers to come forward and reminded the public that in the event of a hate-motivated incident, they can contact emergency services at 911 or reach out to the Belleville Police at 613-966-0882.
