The shooting at Sons of Jacob Synagogue in Belleville was unequivocally a “hate-motivated crime.”
Belleville Police Chief Murray Rodd made that point clear at a Thursday press conference at Belleville Police Headquarters that it was a “pre-meditated and deliberate attack on members of the Jewish Community.”
Rodd laid out more findings of the investigation, including a moment where the attacker said on video played during the media event on Thursday “you are going to die for the Jews.”
“Innocent people had gathered for Yom Kippur and thanks to the actions of this officer, they were able to return home to their families,” Rodd stated.
Const. Jeff Smith continues to face a long road but is making progress in his recovery.
“He was shot multiple times and suffered critical injuries including head injuries,” the chief noted.
Rodd also noted that Smith was shot the first time before he even left his unmarked police vehicle but that he still stepped out and engaged the attacker.
Fellow Const. Mike McCurdy was the second to arrive on the scene and helped Const. Smith to prevent an even larger tragedy, with Rodd calling both officers “heroes.”
Saying accuracy in reporting matters, Rodd said Smith was assigned to the Synagogue as part of his regular duties and that Belleville Police regularly work to protect the local Jewish community, a relationship that goes back several years and predates his time as Chief.
He thanked the public for their outpouring of support and again asked people to respect the Smith family’s privacy moving forward.
In response to questions from the media at the event, Rodd also added more details about the investigation.
Rodd said the hate crime determination has been supported by video and documentation (not specified). Other evidence was still being analyzed.
He said the attacker used a shotgun and had other weapons and “plenty” of ammunition available at the scene. He also said there were combustible items in his vehicle nearby including gasoline.
Rodd says there was no advance indication or warning about the attack, and Constable Smith was not there because of a previous threat or activities in other parts of the province.
“It was an exclusive threat to our Jewish community and not aimed at other communities.”
Speaking on behalf of the Police Services Board, Councillor Barb Enright-Miller said “This was a hate motivated act. Hate has no place in Belleville”.
Saying that “Some moments test a community” she also thanked people for standing together and helping each other in the aftermath.
Ontario Solicitor General Michael Kerzner also spoke to the media at the event.
“I have seen a community come together instead of being indifferent”, said Kerzner, who went on to praise Belleville police for their response and leadership. He also commended the leadership at the Synagogue who stood tall and helped the investigation.
“There must be a clarion call that this kind of violence will not be tolerated, said Kerzner. “Our province belongs to all of us. A horrible catastrophe almost happened here, but thanks to the bravery of Constables Smith and McCurdy, that didn’t happen.”
“I am calling on everyone to say hate has no place and we can’t let it happen.”
Before ending his remarks, Kerzner also took time to thank leaders from a local mosque who came to the synagogue and offered their support and some flowers. He said it was a meaningful gesture and thanked the local Muslim community for their kindness.
The investigation by the province’s Special Investigations Unit (SIU) remains ongoing.
