FBI investigating Michigan synagogue attack as ‘targeted act of violence’ against Jewish community

WASHINGTON — A man, armed with a rifle, crashed a vehicle into the nation’s largest Reform synagogue in a Detroit suburb on Thursday and is dead, authorities said.

Officials said security at the synagogue had engaged in gunfire with the man, who was found dead in the car. Authorities said it is unclear how the man died. 

“We can’t say what killed him at this point, but security did engage the suspect with gunfire,” the sheriff said, adding that it was possible the attacker killed himself or died some other way.

The incident happened at Temple Israel in West Bloomfield, Michigan, a suburb of Detroit. 

Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard said no children or staff were injured in the attack, though a security guard was hit by the vehicle and knocked unconscious. The security guard was taken to the hospital and is expected to survive. 

“No one was hurt, we’re on top of it,” Bouchard told reporters.

Investigators were still working to identify the man and a possible motive for the attack. 

Bouchard said that a car breached the building and drove down a hallway, through the doors of the synagogue. He said the vehicle caught on fire after something was ignited in the car. 

Police near Detroit responded to the reports of an “active shooter” and “vehicle ramming” situation at the synagogue on Thursday. 

Bouchard said private security guards at the synagogue engaged the attacker and shots were fired. Footage from the scene shows dozens of police vehicles surrounding the building, which had smoke billowing from the roof. 

On Thursday afternoon, Temple Israel issued a statement on the attack, confirming that all students at the early childhood center were safe.

“Everyone is safe. All 140 students in our Susan and Harold Loss Early Childhood Center, our amazing staff, our courageous teachers, and our heroic security personnel are all accounted for and safe,” the synagogue said on Facebook. “As you have no doubt heard, Temple Israel was the victim of a terrorist gunman who was confronted and neutralized by our security personnel who are truly heroes. Our teachers followed their training and kept the children safe and calm.

“We are deeply and humbly grateful to our teachers, staff, security, law enforcement, and Shenendoah Country Club that welcomed us, fed us, and sheltered our staff, teachers, children, and parents. What incredible neighbors we have. What incredible police force we have,” the synagogue said. “This note is coming to you before we know anything about our future programming or services, or any investigation. We wanted you to know we are safe, and we love you all.”

About a dozen parents sprinted to get their children from an early childhood learning center inside the building after getting approval from police earlier in the day. The West Bloomfield School District went on lockdown following the incident.

Temple Israel describes itself as the nation’s largest Reform synagogue and said its congregation includes 1% of all Reform Jews in North America. It offers educational programs for families and adults.

The website said the synagogue is “passionate about helping Jewish communities across the globe” and that its mission is to “create a community building through the lens of Reform Judaism.”

FBI Director Kash Patel said earlier on Thursday that agents were on scene of an “apparent vehicle ramming and active shooter situation” at the synagogue.

“FBI personnel are on the scene with partners in Michigan and responding to the apparent vehicle ramming and active shooter situation out of Temple Israel Synagogue in West Bloomfield Township,” Patel said in an X post. 

The Jewish Federation of Detroit initially advised all Jewish organizations in the area “to go into lockout protocol — nobody in or out of your building.”

In a post on X, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said she was aware of the incident and was working to get more information as the situation develops. 

“I am tracking reports of an active shooting at Temple Israel in West Bloomfield. We are working with Michigan State Police to get more information,” Whitmer said. “This is heartbreaking. Michigan’s Jewish community should be able to live and practice their faith in peace. Antisemitism and violence have no place in Michigan. I am hoping for everyone’s safety.”

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