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FIRST READING: Yet another Canadian massacre prevented at the last minute by police

If Const. Jeff Smith hadn't returned fire against a synagogue attacker, 25 congregants would have been at his mercy

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FIRST READING: Yet another Canadian massacre prevented at the last minute by police Back to video

Once again, a potential Canadian massacre appears to have been halted within seconds of disaster by the quick actions of police.

On Sunday night, congregants at a Yom Kippur service at a Belleville, Ont., synagogue dropped for cover at the sound of gunfire  outside the building.

Multiple witness accounts described one large boom, likely from a shotgun, followed quickly by pops, possibly from a pistol.

The next day, investigators revealed that a gunman had opened fire on a Belleville Police Service officer with the apparent intention of then turning his gun on the approximately 25 congregants massed in the Sons of Jacob synagogue.

Instead, the wounded officer, Const. Jeff Smith, was able to return fire and hold back the attacker. In conjunction with a second officer who scrambled to the scene, Smith was able to subdue the shooter, who was hit multiple times.

Jeff Smith is a real hero.A Belleville Police officer who put himself in harm’s way protecting our community. Please pray for Jeff, his family and his fellow officers.Our community is behind you, Jeff. Stay strong. Keep fighting. Come home to your family. pic.twitter.com/7tBeWH0C4T— Ryan Williams 🇨🇦 | The Competition Guy (@Ryan_r_Williams) September 21, 2026

Jeff Smith is a real hero.A Belleville Police officer who put himself in harm’s way protecting our community. Please pray for Jeff, his family and his fellow officers.Our community is behind you, Jeff. Stay strong. Keep fighting. Come home to your family. pic.twitter.com/7tBeWH0C4T

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