WEST BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP, Mich. — 30 first responders were taken to the hospital for smoke inhalation Thursday after “targeted violence” on Temple Israel in West Bloomfield, Mich., according to Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard.
Temple Israel, which is located on West Walnut Lake Road, is the nation’s largest Reform synagogue, according to their website.
Just before 1 p.m. Thursday, a car rammed into the building and continued down a hallway. That’s when law enforcement said that the car caught fire, though the extent of that fire was not detailed.
Officers at Temple Israel then “neutralized” the suspect, according to West Bloomfield Police Chief Dale Young.
One member of Temple Israel’s security team was hit by the car. They are being treated at a local hospital and are expected to be “OK,” according to Bouchard.
The FBI is leading the investigation into the crime, which is being labeled as a targeted act of violence against the Jewish community.
They say an active shooter training was held at Temple Israel on Jan. 30, and while the shelter in place order is no longer active, asked for space and patience while the investigation continues at the synagogue.
The agency also activated their tip line, which can be accessed by going online here.
“This will not change us, this will not deter us, and we will continue,” the CEO of the Jewish Federation of Detroit said.
Temple Israel confirmed all 140 students at the Susan and Harold Loss Early Childhood Center, as well as staff, teachers and security personnel, are all safe following the incident.
Teachers and staff were credited for following training and for keeping students “safe and calm” throughout the incident, and security personnel were credited for “neutralizing” the suspect.
“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,” officials said in part. “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.”
Deputies with the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office say they’re thankful that no children or staff at a school/synagogue were injured.
President Donald Trump has been “fully briefed” on the incident. He called it a “terrible thing,” and said “we’re going to be right down to the bottom of it.”
“I want to send our love to the Michigan Jewish community and all the people in Detroit, the Detroit area following the attack on the Jewish synagogue early today,” Trump said. “…It’s absolutely incredible that things like this happen.”
Michigan Senators Gary Peters (D – MI) and Elissa Slotkin (D – MI) are also monitoring the situation.
Peters advised that Michiganders should follow the direction of law enforcement, adding he’s grateful for first responders and their quick response.
“My heart is with the families and everyone affected by the violence at Temple Israel in West Bloomfield,” Peters said. “… All Americans should feel safe where they pray, work, and live. Antisemitism has no place in our society and we all must come together to condemn this horrible violence.”
Slotkin said she knows West Bloomfield “well,” and that “all communities deserve the right to worship safely.”
“This is another frightening event that is still being cleared…,” Slotkin said in part Thursday afternoon. “…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.”
Below is previous breaking news coverage during the incident.
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A suspect involved in a shooting at a Michigan synagogue has died, according to the Associated Press.
“The person confirmed the death but did not immediately provide additional details,” the Associated Press reported. “The person could not publicly discuss details of the ongoing investigation and spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity. The person said no one else was reported injured.”
Deputies with the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office, officers with multiple other agencies and the FBI responded to an active shooter situation at Temple Israel in West Bloomfield, Mich. just before 1 p.m. Thursday.
Temple Israel, located on West Walnut Lake Road, is the nation’s largest Reform synagogue, according to their website.
According to Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard, at least one person went to the temple, security saw him and “engaged him in gunfire.”
Bouchard said unification will take place at the Jewish Community Center, 6660 W. Maple Rd. near Drake Road.
“Don’t come to the area. It’s active, it’s busy,” Bouchard said.
No injuries have been confirmed. A shelter in place order has also been made for the square mile surrounding the scene.
Deputies said emergency personnel were clearing the public. Michigan State Police asked the public to avoid the area, and the Jewish Federation of Detroit asked agencies to go on a precautionary lockdown, according to the non-profit on Facebook.
In addition, out of an abundance of caution, the Ann Arbor Police Department directed officers to increase patrols and respond to churches and schools throughout the city as a safety measure.
“At this time, there is no known threat to the Ann Arbor community. These steps are being taken proactively to help ensure the safety and reassurance of our residents,” officials said. “Our priority is the safety and well-being of our entire community.”
In a statement, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer says her office is working with Michigan State Police to get more information, and hopes for the safety of everyone.
“This is heartbreaking,” Whitmer said. “Michigan’s Jewish community should be able to live and practice their faith in peace. Antisemitism and violence have no place in Michigan”
Attorney General Dana Nessel said her office is also closely monitoring the situation, and urged Michiganders to follow the requests of law enforcement.
“My heart is with the congregation and community of Temple Israel as law enforcement responds to reports of an active shooter…” Nessel said. “Antisemitism has no place in Michigan and cannot be tolerated. In moments like these, it’s more important than ever that we come together, stand with our neighbors, confront hate whenever it appears, and build stronger communities.”
In September, a similar attack occurred at a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc Township, Mich.
Five people died during the incident, including the assailant, Thomas Jacob Sanford. Nine others were injured.
This is a developing story. Stay with us as we work to bring you more information.