Const. Jeff Smith, the Belleville, Ont., police officer who was shot while confronting a gunman outside a local synagogue, has been released from the hospital. Belleville police said Smith continues to make positive progress and is recovering well at home. “Constable Smith and his family remain incredibly grateful for the overwhelming support shown by the community and beyond over the past several weeks. Every well wish and message of encouragement has been sincerely appreciated,” the Belleville Police Service said in a news release. Smith was injured on Sept. 20, 2026, when a man identified as Sean Ward, a former Canadian Armed Forces soldier, opened fire on the Sons of Jacob Synagogue during Yom Kippur observances. Belleville Police Chief Murray Rodd said that Smith was stationed outside the synagogue and was hit by gunfire while inside his cruiser. Despite being shot, Smith returned fire before another officer, Const. Mike McCurdy, arrived and joined the gunfight. Ward died of his injuries in hospital. Rodd said Smith suffered multiple gunshot wounds and was expected to undergo several surgeries on his road to recovery.
