The former infantry soldier who died following a gun battle with police outside an Ontario synagogue was suing the military for $1 million for discharging him over his refusal to vaccinate, according to court records.
Documents obtained by Global News show that Sean Ward was a corporal based at CFB Edmonton when he declined the COVID-19 vaccine on “religious grounds” and was deemed “unsuitable for further military service.”
“He has served honorably for almost 5 years,” according to the law suit filed in Federal Court that claimed he had incurred $140,000 in financial losses following his dismissal for violating the military’s vaccination policy.
“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 … and he was released under a category of 5(f)—unsuitable for further military service.”
On Thursday, police confirmed that Ward was targeting the Jewish community when he showed up with weapons outside a Belleville, Ont. synagogue on Sunday and exchanged fire with an officer stationed nearby.
In a recording of the shooting that was played at a police news conference, Ward can be heard shouting about Jews while worshippers in the synagogue were observing Yom Kippur, the holiest evening of the Jewish faith.
“Make no mistake, this was a targeted attack against the Jewish community,” said Belleville police Chief Murray Rodd.
The court documents shed additional light on Ward’s state of mind, suggesting the 29-year-old was struggling financially and harboured grievances about his dismissal from the Canadian army in 2022.
The law suit claims Ward and other plaintiffs suffered “permanent psychological, physical and emotional trauma,” post-traumatic stress disorder and “loss of trust in others” as a result of their military discharge.
Get breaking National news
Sources have told Global News that Ward spouted COVID-19 conspiracy theories while he was a member of the Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry. One of the sources said he also repeated antisemitic memes.
The government denied the allegations in his law suit, arguing the case should be thrown out and that vaccination was “safe, effective, and accepted as part of a proper response to the pandemic.”
“The COVID-19 pandemic was a fundamental threat to the lives of Canadians, the Canadian economy, and the ability of the CAF to carry out its mandate,” according to the statement of defence.
“Vaccination forms a key component in protecting the health of CAF members and employees of the Department of National Defence and carrying out the CAF’s mandate.”
The lawyer handling the case against the military has not responded to requests for comment.
Conspiracy theories circulated widely during the pandemic, as extremist groups and foreign adversaries exploited the health crisis to blame Jews, immigrants and government officials, according to Canadian intelligence reports.
Canada’s Jewish community has faced a renewed wave of antisemitic hatred and violence over the past three years marked by assaults, threats, arsons, and shootings.
Police have disrupted at least four recent terrorist plots directed at Jews. Ontario Solicitor General Michael Kerzner said police action in Belleville had prevented a “massacre in the making.”
Police said Ward approached the Sons of Jacob Synagogue with a shotgun and other weapons. A police officer was posted outside because congregants had reported a suspicious vehicle a week earlier.
Gunfire erupted at about 7 p.m., according to police. A second officer then arrived and Ward was wounded during an exchange of fire. He died in hospital on Monday night.
One of the police officers, Const. Jeff Smith, also suffered gunshot wounds and remains in hospital. A GoFundMe page for the officer has already raised more than $500,000.
“He is the best man I know,” his wife wrote in a social media post. “He is a man of integrity…And right now, he is fighting.”
A researcher who studies far right extremism in Canada’s military said antisemitic conspiracy theories were “a tale as old as time.”
“Usually it’s tied to some sort of wider social, political or ideological crisis, in this case COVID-19,” said University of New Brunswick sociology professor David Hofmann.
“Anytime there’s some sort of societal unrest, the antisemitic community will find some way to tie it to Judaism. It’s not a new trope, it’s just basically an odd justification that is used to justify violence.”
The far right capitalized on the pandemic and vaccines to spread conspiracy theories about Jews and Muslims as a way of attracting new recruits, he said.
“So seeing this overlap and this type of conspiracy theory mesh with anti-vax rhetoric is not a surprise,” Hofmann said,
On Thursday, a national Jewish organization urged the government to immediately provide armed security and increased police presence at Jewish institutions.
“A mass-casualty event during this past weekend seems to have been avoided only because of the actions of trained and armed law enforcement,” B’nai Brith Canada said.
“This reinforces the need for Canadian leaders to ensure members of law enforcement are present at every Jewish institution moving forward.”
Stewart.Bell@globalnews.ca
Our Jewish communities have nothing to do with whatever goes on overseas. People meed to learn this distinction.
If the Jewish community put a stop to Israel’s genocide and warring on their neighbors police protection wouldn’t be needed…
Honestly, I tried so many types of online work but just couldn’t make it. This system changed everything! For the past 6 months, I’ve been earning $7K–$9K every single month from home. If I can do it,….. Jobathome1.Com
Textbook maple magat
Ya never know when left or right gonna go POP!
Anyone who doesn’t know that chinaflu bioweapon was created in a lab is probably a lib who sht out their pea brain long ago
Hats off to the Belleville police for preemptively posting security at the synagogue. Wishing a speedy recovery to the officer who was injured keeping the community safe.
Anonymous is a village idiot…..Numpty (NOT) for President !
Hope his estate wins.
Quite interesting to see the differences between this article and the recently posted “Quebec man accused of chemical weapon plot faces terrorism charges”.
In this one, the perpetrator is front and center. His views immediately posted in the title of the article and a deep dive into his political opinions and history.
In the other, no image of the suspect, no mention in the title of where this attack came from. No deep dive, no personal bias interjections, just a few vague sentences. The accusers name at the very end of the article and hidden in the middle if this quiet little statement:
“suspect intended to carry out at least one attack on behalf of the Islamic State group.”
No explanation, no further info. Just the barebones reporting hoping not a soul sees this article.
When it fits the narrative, global is first in line to bash/expose any Christian or white person. But when its the other way around (and it usually is), they will do everything they can to sweep it under the rug.
Not even sure why I’m bothering to write this, they are most likely going to delete this comment anyways. global dosent like it when people question their reporting intentions…
People are here defending a literal n*zi because they don’t believe science.. this is the state of Canada. Good job everyone
I see another liberal terrorist has been arrested in Montreal
Weak little retards that you all are.
Neither safe or effective.
I also recall all the bad faith news and social media spreading misinformation that the mRNA would prevent them from contracting or spreading Covid. Those accounts should be investigated by the government and charged.
Tat guy was ill and confused, although I slightly understand his concern around this vaccine.
Forced vaccinations by employers (eastern Canada) caused many people to stop voting liberal or quit their jobs, but after covid they forgot and went back to their old ways of checking off the liberal box on the voter cards. They have Stockholm Syndrome. I looked around as so many people developed problems or died, not of the illness, but the shots. Always 1-4 weeks afterwards.
@Anonymous 1148 am said “Shut up Ben.” You can’t keep up with him or his intelligence? If you can’t handle what Ben is saying, just admit it instead of embarassing yourself.
@ben “John T. McKay. Thank you for your service.” Sanctimonious communist. Shut up Ben.
I am unable to find the actual court case on Canlii or in the Federal Court registry. His name was never mentioned in the major lawsuit filed by 330 CAF members in 2023, and I can’t find any Appeal anywhere. Can you provide links to the Court case that you site in your excellent article.
Rotflmao. Yeah, all of those Conservatives for Palestine.
Liberals are brain dead.
“MAGA traitor. Conspiracy looser, like some of the rightnut commenting here. Get out!”
Shut up Ben.
Lots of people sue this Liberal government. They violate the constitution like people change underwear.
@John T. McKay. Thank you for your service.
I joined the R.C.A.F in the 1960’s and was given I I believe 12 injections. These were necessary if I was to be deployed overseas as protections for myself and other members. Not one of those injections have any adverse conditions on me. When Covid came around I had the injections and still do this day. The Covid injections have had no problem for me. I am 82 years of age and am still working for a living.
Maybe the investigators should be, and may be, looking at any potential Antifa or supporters of Palestine connection with that guy. Seems to me he fits the profile of someone who would become involved with such groups that promote violence, especially against Jews. Why have we not heard about his online profile.
Tell us you are paid by the government without telling us. Global news is just another propaganda outpost. Reporters aren’t true reporters anymore.
“Come meet someone who might catch your attention instantly😉”….join profile
Ben’s inbred liberal klan supports violence and he pretends to support the military
Too much horse deworming medicine or bleach in their system. LOL!
@Ben 1018am. Your a communist liberal. You dont support the military sanctimonious twat
MAGA traitor. Conspiracy looser, like some of the rightnut commenting here. Get out!
@Anonymous an yet the perpetrators always seem to be white Christian men. (IE right wing folks)
funny how works out. over and over.
Anonymous is a village idiot….who is too stupid too be quiet.
So, did he think that a bullet would not be a “violation of his “bodily autonomy.””? I wish the officer a speedy recovery.
Ben – shut your sanctimonious mouth.
It is your inbred liberal clan that incites violence.
The COVID regulations are why I am no longer a Liberal.
They were not based on science, they were based on lies.
Not worth inciting more violence.
The COVID regulations are why I am no longer a Liberal.
They were not based on science, they were based on lies.
Can we please stop with the “former soldier?” What this man did has nothing to do with the fact he was a former soldier. The overwhelming majority of Canadian Forces members serve with honour. We should thank them for their service to Canada. Why not have a story of the 159 members who bravely served and died in Afghanistan instead of associating this man with the military? Good grief.
Jeff and Stewart are suicidal
How to save a mil.Off him