Officer fended off Ontario synagogue gunman despite being shot multiple times, authorities say

Updated on: September 24, 2026 / 4:01 PM EDT / CBS News

One of the officers who helped prevent a shooting at an Ontario synagogue on Yom Kippur continued fighting off the gunman despite being shot multiple times, officials revealed Thursday. Police also confirmed the shooter was targeting the Jewish community in a "hate-motivated" attack.

Constable Jeff Smith was shot several times, suffering wounds to his head and torso, but continued fending off the attack until a second officer, Constable Mike McCurdy, arrived, Belleville Police Service Chief Murray Rodd said at a Thursday news conference.

Smith was shot almost immediately with a shotgun, Rodd said, before he was even able to get out of his car.

"Despite suffering life-threatening injuries, within moments of encountering the armed suspect, Constable Smith exited his vehicle and engaged the attacker," Rodd said. This went on for almost three minutes before McCurdy arrived.

Rodd said Smith and McCurdy's actions prevented "what would have become an unimaginable tragedy" and that they were the only thing that prevented the gunman from getting into the synagogue.

Smith remains hospitalized and is set to undergo several surgeries related to "serious head trauma," Rodd said, adding: "While his recovery will…

Original source: https://www.cbsnews.com/world/