Sometimes the truth is so clear and so obvious that it becomes undeniable.
We learned two very important things at yesterday’s update on the shooting at the Sons of Jacob Synagogue in East-end Belleville.
First and most importantly is that it was a hate crime, or “a hate-motivated attack”.
That was obvious to most of us the first day, but any lingering doubts some people may have had were completely erased when police played a video showing one part of the attack where the shooter said clearly, “you are going to die for the Jews.” as he shoots at Constable Jeff Smith.
This isn’t an interview with a childhood friend or a social media post. This was a hate-fueled verbal assault captured on video as a weapon was pointed and fired. It doesn’t get any clearer.
We also learned the identity of the second officer with Belleville Police who engaged the shooter, Constable Mike McCurdy, with Chief Murray Rodd calling both officers “heroes”.
Constable Jeff Smith was shot several times, the first time before he even left his police vehicle.
These aren’t theories. They are facts that are backed up by video and forensic evidence.
I saw the video. It was jarring, impactful and completely unforgettable, as the truth often is.
A hate-crime was committed in Belleville on Sunday. A massacre was prevented by the heroism of two officers.
Facts are important, and these are now as undeniable as the bullet holes in the side of the synagogue.
I’m Paul martin and that’s what I see looking Beyond the Headlines.
