Belleville gunman was suing the Canadian Armed Forces over COVID vaccine mandate - Toronto Star
Sean Ward, 29, died Monday after police say he shot at a police officer at the Sons of Jacob synagogue on Sunday evening.
A police officer investigates at the Sons of Jacob Synagogue where a man armed with a shotgun exchanged gun fire with a police officer stationed outside.
The gunman in the Belleville synagogue attack was part of a lawsuit against the military, one of dozens of soldiers claiming they were wrongfully forced out for refusing the COVID-19 vaccine.
Sean Ward, 29, died Monday after police say he shot at a police officer at the Sons of Jacob synagogue on Sunday evening. According to court documents, he was part of a large class action suit suing the CAF over vaccine mandates in the military.
“Sean Douglas Reginald Ward: Refused vaccine on religious grounds; no exemption; subjected to remedial measures; released under 5(f); suffered financial losses approximating $140,000,” the statement of claim alleges.
The document states that plaintiffs were pressured into voluntary releases, but those that chose not were released under 5(F), which was more “stigmatizing” as it meant “release for unsuitability or moral weakness.”
None of the allegations have been proven in court.
“He has served honourably for almost 5 years. He was told no exemption to receiving the injections would be made. Mr. Ward did not accept the injections. He was subject to the remedial measures outlined in the Directives and he was released under a category of 5(f)—unsuitable for further military service,” the motion filing states.
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The suit sought $1 million in general damages for each plaintiff, as well as $500,000 in punitive damages each.
In a statement released earlier this week, the Canadian Armed Forces confirmed Ward’s military service.
“ He joined the CAF in July 2017 and released in June 2022 at the rank of corporal. He served as an infantry soldier with Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry and did not deploy during his service,” said Andrée-Anne Poulin, a spokesperson for the Department of National Defence.
On Thursday, Belleville police released a video of Ward’s ambush on Constable Jeff Smith, who he engaged in a gunfight for three minutes. Police said he was armed with a shotgun, ammunition and gasoline and was prepared to kill dozens of worshippers at the synagogue. Constable Mike McCurdy arrived on the scene and returned fire, stopping the attack.
The civil case is still ongoing but the Crown has submitted a motion to strike the amended statement of claim, that written arguments are still being sought for. A similar COVID vaccine mandate lawsuit against the armed forces was thrown out by the federal court in 2024.
Raju Mudhar is a Toronto-based reporter for the Star covering breaking news. Reach him via email: rmudhar@thestar.ca
