(FOX 2) – A Jewish synagogue was attacked after a truck drove through the front entrance of Temple Israel in West Bloomfield on Thursday.
One individual was confirmed dead inside the vehicle, which barged through the front entrance. The Oakland County Sheriff said a security guard shot the individual.
There were no children or staff injured during the attack, Mike Bouchard said. One security guard was hospitalized after being struck by the vehicle.
Police were called to the scene at approximately 12 p.m.
Here is what we know:
6:30 p.m. – Law enforcement give update
The FBI has now taken over the investigation. The Oakland County Sheriff called it a “hateful terrible thing” but declined to give any details into a motive.
Officials with the FBI, the sheriff, and West Bloomfield Township law enforcement gave brief remarks, including that a 911 call first came in at 12:19 p.m. They responded within five minutes.
By then, security had shot the individual driving the truck.
A tip line has been set up for anyone with videos to send to federal police as the investigation continues: FBI.GOV/westbloomfieldattack.
The sheriff applauded the work of law enforcement around the county for the planning and preparation they had engaged in in recent weeks.
“We hope and pray it never happens. But that’s not a strategy, preparation is. So all of us have been training together for many years for active shooters or active assailants, mass casualty events,” Mike Bouchard said. “And tragically, we’ve had way more than our share.”
5:10 p.m. – Synagogue attacker from Dearborn Heights
Sources told FOX 2 that the suspect is from Dearborn Heights. Sources close to the investigation say the suspect is from Lebanon and that his family was killed in an airstrike over the weekend amid the war with Iran.
4:55 p.m. — Hospital caring for eight first responders
Henry Ford Health released a statement that it was caring for several first responders following the attack.
“The emergency medicine teams at Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital and Henry Ford Providence Novi Hospital are currently caring for eight first responders following this afternoon’s incident at Temple Israel. Further requests for updates on their conditions should be directed to law enforcement.
“Our hearts go out to the community at Temple Israel and anyone who is impacted by this this frightening event. There is absolutely no place for violence in our community.”
4:20 p.m. — Temple Israel: All students safe
The Jewish synagogue said all 140 students at the Early Childhood Center are safe after the attack on Thursday.
“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.
“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.
“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.”
3:30 p.m. — Chemical agent found in truck, lockdowns lifting
Police sources told FOX 2’s Jessica Dupnack that a chemical agent was found inside the truck that rammed the vehicle, indicating that some sort of explosive device was inside the suspect vehicle.
It’s unclear what the agent was.
Lockdowns in the area were also being lifted as the direct threat was neutralized. That includes at West Bloomfield High School where students were being released from the building.
West Bloomfield Police also lifted their shelter-in-place order. The Jewish Federation of Detroit also advised any Southeast Michigan organizations were no longer required to stay locked down.
2:35 p.m. — Oakland County Sheriff says one dead
Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard gave preliminary information outside the building, saying an individual drove a vehicle into the Temple Israel building by breaching the doors. It then traveled nearly 40 feet into the building before coming to a stop.
A security guard shot the driver. One body was found in the vehicle. He said something ignited inside the vehicle, sparking a fire.
One security guard was injured after being struck by the vehicle, which had traveled down the hallway after breaking through the entrance. He is expected to be okay.
There were no children and no staff injured.
2:20 p.m. update – Security guard struck by suspect vehicle
One security guard was injured by the suspect’s vehicle after it rammed the organization, a police source told FOX 2. The injury is not life-threatening.
2 p.m. update – No injuries are reported – shooter dead
Authorities are reporting that there are no injuries, and all people have been accounted for.
The Associated Press reported that “security engaged in gunfire” with the suspect and that they were at large.
The shooter was confirmed dead after being taken down in their vehicle, police sources told FOX 2.
Active Shooting at Jewish Synagogue
What we know:
A vehicle crashed into the Temple Israel building on 5725 Walnut Lake Road in West Bloomfield Township late Thursday morning, an official with the early childhood learning center.
All kids and teachers have been evacuated and are accounted for, the official added.
They added the vehicle caught on fire, which is why there was smoke from the building and firetrucks at the scene.
Michigan State Police are also aware of the shooting and responded to the scene.
“We are asking for community members to stay away from the area to allow for police response. Troopers are also increasing patrols at other places of worship in the district,” the posted online.
The Jewish Federation of Detroit ordered all Jewish organizations to go into lockout protocol. That notification is no longer required to be under lockdown. However, there will be continued police presence throughout the community.
Detroit’s FBI field office is also responding.
What we don’t know:
The shooter’s motivations are unclear.
Preliminary information from the sheriff is that the shooter was taken down in their vehicle. It’s unclear what the suspect was armed with. Reports came out as an active shooter.
Police are also concerned that the usage of a vehicle could indicate that possible explosives were inside.
Local perspective:
Police near the synagogue were spotted with high-powered weapons.
A surge of vehicles lined the road immediately after the attack. Departments that responded include federal, county, state, and local agencies.
Faith leaders were also on the scene, convening with people nearby and staying in touch with police.
“Heart goes out to anyone who was affected by this. We are so appreciative of law enforcement, the police department, the sheriff’s department. The outpouring of support, love and professionalism is way beyond. We’re getting support from all over the world,” said Rabbi Benny Greenwald of Friendship circle.
What they’re saying:
Carolyn Krieger, a well-known publicist who is a member of the temple told FOX 2 on air that the temple was a “wonderful place.”
“It is the most wonderful place and it is the largest if not the largest reform temple in the United States. It is where my children went and were confirmed it is where I was married by. I know all the rabbis. This is just heartbreaking.
“I don’t know anything except for what you are reporting. I know that all buildings are on lockdown probably everywhere, not just Jewish-focused buildings. This is such a tight-knit community. We all care about each other and we are all connected. This is so heartbreaking.”
Oakland County Emergency Operation Center activated
“Our team been activated and we’re supporting law enforcement officers in keeping the community safe. We are holding the Jewish Community close and will always reiterate that antisemitism has no place in Oakland County. We appreciate the quick action of the West Bloomfield Police Department, Oakland County Sheriff’s Office and all collaborating partners.”
Dearborn Police increasing patrols:
The Dearborn Police Department directed patrols to provide additional support to houses of worship and schools throughout the city as a precautionary safety measure.
“At this time, there is no known threat to the Dearborn community. These proactive steps are being taken to help ensure the safety of our residents and provide reassurance throughout the community.
“The Dearborn Police Department will continue to closely monitor the situation and remain in communication with regional law enforcement partners.”
Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter:
“I am at the Oakland County Emergency Operation Center and am monitoring the situation at Temple Israel in West Bloomfield. Our team been activated and we’re supporting law enforcement officers in keeping the community safe. We are holding the Jewish Community close and will always reiterate that antisemitism has no place in Oakland County. We appreciate the quick action of the West Bloomfield Police Department, Oakland County Sherrif’s Office and all collaborating partners”
Lawmakers chime in:
U.S. Sen. Elissa Slotkin:
“I am closely tracking the active shooter situation at Temple Israel in West Bloomfield Township — a place I know well. This is another frightening event that is still being cleared. Please continue to follow local law enforcement guidelines and avoid the area — they are actively working the scene. My team and I will continue to be in close contact with law enforcement agencies and local officials. All communities deserve the right to worship safely. All communities. And acts of terror and antisemitism must be condemned and dealt with to the fullest extent of the law.”
U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens:
“Before our very eyes, a Temple in West Bloomfield is under attack. Like many of you, I am getting reports in real time. To everyone in Michigan’s 11th district, continue to follow the guidance of local law enforcement. To the Jewish American community in Michigan and beyond, we stand with you.”
U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell:
“The attack on a synagogue in West Bloomfield is heartbreaking and horrific. I’m praying reports are true that there are no confirmed injuries. This kind of hate is unacceptable and happening too much. People of all religions deserve a safe space to worship.”
U.S. Rep. Rashida Tlaib:
“The reports coming out of West Bloomfield are horrifying. I am praying for the safety of everyone at Temple Israel. No one should face violence anywhere, especially in a place of worship.”
Counterterrorism Expert on Shooting
Eric O’Neil spoke to FOX 2 about how police are going to immediately address the scene:
I would suggest, and or suspect that it is, you know, and is being treated as a terror, an act of terrorism, especially if the FBI are immediately in involved. It certainly seems to have a lot of the hallmarks. The vehicle rammed into the building provides a point of entry. And then you have an active shooter. I can’t tell you. And I’m not sure if the reporting has suggested that shots are still being fired or if the shooter has been neutralized. But the fact that the FBI was on the plea is a good thing. that means that they’re giving all the support to local law enforcement that they would require in order to handle this as, as quickly and as safely as possible.
This is a breaking news story. Check back later for more details.
The Source: Law enforcement sources have provided information for this story. This story will be updated with more details.