Shooter dead after ramming vehicle into Temple Israel synagogue in Michigan
WEST BLOOMFIELD, Mich. — A suspected shooter was killed Thursday after ramming a truck into a Michigan synagogue and school and engaging in gunfire with security officers.
Temple Israel and its adjoining Tyner Religious School in West Bloomfield had already been on high alert during the war in Iran, authorities said, and security officers were already on duty.
“Security did engage the suspect with gunfire” after the vehicle “breached the building and drove down the hall,” Oakland County Sheriff Mike Bouchard said in a televised news briefing. Surveillance video showed the vehicle “traveling with purpose down the hall” before the shooting began, Bouchard said.
“We believe that individual is dead,” Bouchard said.
However, he said, “no kids or staff was injured, whatsoever.”
A security guard was struck by the vehicle and knocked unconscious, Bouchard said. He was treated at a hospital and was expected to recover.
The vehicle caught fire and heavy smoke spread inside the building, Bouchard said. Bomb squad officers were checking to see whether the vehicle carried explosives, he said.
The Department of Homeland Security identified the suspected attacker as 41-year-old Ayman Mohamad Ghazali, a naturalized American citizen from Lebanon. The agency said Ghazali received a visa to enter the United States in 2011 as the spouse of a U.S. citizen. He was naturalized in 2016.
Police believe Ghazali acted alone. Bouchard said authorities had not determined how Ghazali died, in part because the fire initially hampered investigators. Smoke was so heavy, Bouchard said, that “we had to send people in with gas masks to clear that area.”
What we’re seeing
A Straight Arrow News reporter on the scene observed hundreds of law enforcement vehicles lining the streets leading into the temple. Police were seen escorting kids off a bus and ushering them into the school. Others could be seen carrying AR-15-style long guns.
Bouchard said local authorities have unfortunately had a lot of practice with mass shootings over the past few years.
“Well, tragically, we’ve responded to four mass shootings in the last five years, so with that comes learning and experience and preparatory actions,” he said.
Heather Crews, a West Bloomfield resident, spoke to SAN and said the scene shocked her as she passed by on the way to the gym.
“I didn’t know what was going on, and I got a bunch of texts,” she told SAN. “I turned around, and there were cars everywhere, and you can’t move. Parents just stopping their cars to make sure their kids are okay. I’ve never seen anything like this in my life.“
What officials are saying
The Detroit News reported that members of the synagogue were told through a text message that the lockdown was still in place but the shooter was “taken down.” The text also said all students and staff are accounted for and okay.
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said her office is working with state police to get additional information.
“This is heartbreaking. Michigan’s Jewish community should be able to live and practice their faith in peace,” she said in a social media post. “Antisemitism and violence have no place in Michigan. I am hoping for everyone’s safety.”
Attorney General Dana Nessel released a statement expressing sympathy for the Temple Israel community.
“Antisemitism has no place in Michigan and cannot be tolerated,” she said.
Bouchard declined to speculate whether the attack was ideologically motivated. However, he said officials had been discussing security at “Jewish facilities” for the past two weeks, alluding to the war in Iran. He said police officers would be stationed at other synagogues and schools in the area.
By mid-afternoon, the Jewish Federation of Detroit had lifted a lockdown order for synagogues and other Jewish organizations in the region.
However, in a statement, the federation said, “There will continue to be a strong police and security presence throughout the community. We ask community members to refrain from speculation or sharing unconfirmed information — especially on social media.”
Ella Rae Greene, Editor In Chief
