Bay of Quinte’s two senior government representatives have had a sit-down discussion with key figures in the aftermath of a synagogue shooting in Belleville.
In a show of unity and a call to action in support for the Sons of Jacob Congregation and Belleville Police Service, Ontario’s Solicitor General Michael Kerzner and Canada’s Secretary of State for Combatting Crime Ruby Sahota joined Bay of Quinte MPP Tyler Allsopp and MP Chris Malette for the discussion.
The two representatives held conversations with Chief Murray Rodd, Deputy Chief Sheri Meeks, members of the Belleville Police Service, police services board, and Belleville Police Association leadership and Mayor Neil Ellis to discuss ways senior levels of government can assist with support for the city’s Jewish community.
The group also visited the site of Sunday’s shooting outside the synagogue and met with Sons of Jacob congregation president Norm Weddum and members of the local Jewish community.
In a post on social media, Allsopp stated plainly that ‘antisemitism and other forms of hatred have no place in our community.’
“Throughout, we discussed the heroism of Const. Jeff Smith and his colleagues whose actions prevented a more devastating outcome Sunday,” he stated.
“Const. Smith remains in hospital and we wish him well in recovering from critical injuries.”
This comes on the day that the SIU confirmed the death of the suspected shooter, 29-year-old Sean Ward of Quinte West, in hospital from his injuries.
