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

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

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

TL;DR

  • Constable Jeff Smith was shot multiple times, suffering life-threatening injuries, but continued to engage the synagogue gunman.
  • Constable Mike McCurdy arrived and assisted Smith in preventing the attacker from entering the Sons of Jacob Synagogue.
  • The shooter, identified as Sean Ward, was targeting the Jewish community in a hate-motivated attack.
  • The shooter possessed multiple firearms, ample ammunition, and gasoline, indicating the potential for a mass casualty event.
  • Constable Smith remains hospitalized with serious head trauma and fractures, but is making progress in his recovery.