The officer who protected synagogue worshippers in Canada released from hospital; nearly $1 million raised for him
Police officer Jeff Smith, who was critically wounded in a shooting outside the B'nai Jacob synagogue in Belleville, Ontario, on the eve of Yom Kippur, has been released from the hospital. A fundraising campaign has raised nearly one million Canadian dollars to express gratitude and support for him and his family.
Police officer Jeff Smith, who was critically wounded in a shooting outside the B'nai Jacob synagogue in Belleville, Ontario, on the eve of Yom Kippur, has been released from the hospital and continues his recovery at home. The Belleville Police Department stated that he is progressing in his recovery and that he and his family are grateful for the support. Smith was assigned to secure the synagogue on September 20, when the gunman, Sean Ward, 29, opened fire, hitting him in the head and body. Despite his injuries, Smith returned fire for nearly three minutes until officer Michael McCready arrived. Their actions prevented the attacker from entering the synagogue and carrying out a mass killing; none of the worshippers were harmed. Ward was wounded in the exchange and died the next day. A fundraising campaign led by Derek Kreindler raised nearly one million Canadian dollars ($969,110) from over 8,300 donations, to express gratitude to Smith and assist him and his family. McCready, who was not physically injured, also received support through a separate campaign that raised about $58,400 Canadian, recognizing the psychological toll of the incident.