Suspect in Detroit-area synagogue attack is killed by security, officials say

A suspect in an attack on a Detroit-area synagogue died after crashing a truck into the building and being confronted by synagogue security forces, Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard said. There is no injuries reported among students or staff on site.

The sheriff’s department said law enforcement responded to an “active shooter situation” at Temple Israel in West Bloomfield on Thursday afternoon.

Bouchard said a man walked through the doors of the building and down a hallway. Two law enforcement sources told CBS News that the suspect rammed the vehicle into the synagogue, then exited the vehicle with a rifle and was later shot by synagogue security, although Bouchard would not say how the suspect died.

No students or staff members were injured in the incident, Bouchard said. Temple Israel has confirmed that all 140 students and staff are safe.

THE The FBI said the attack is being investigated as a “targeted act of violence against the Jewish community.”

Henry Ford Health said it was caring for eight first responders at Henry Ford West Bloomfield and Henry Ford Providence Novi.

“Our hearts go out to the Temple Israel community and all those affected by this frightening event. There is absolutely no place for violence in our community,” the health system said in a statement.

THE Department of Homeland Security identified he is Ayman Mohamad Ghazali, an American citizen of Lebanese origin.

CBS News Detroit’s Terell Bailey reported that the FBI was searching his Dearborn Heights home overnight.

Law enforcement sources told CBS News that the suspect’s body was severely burned, making his identification difficult. They say there were mortar-type explosives inside the suspect’s vehicle.

“We have accounted for everyone who we believe was in the building at the time,” Bouchard said.

One of the key security personnel who was struck by the vehicle and “lost consciousness” was transported to an area hospital for treatment and is expected to recover, Bouchard said. The guard was removed from the area by his team.

Bouchard said something inside the suspect’s vehicle ignited and added that, out of an abundance of caution, investigators were clearing the vehicle of IED explosives. Only one person was inside the vehicle, according to Bouchard.

“Security did their job, and then the responders did theirs,” Bouchard said.

FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed that FBI personnel were on scene and responded. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said Homeland Security investigations were also on site.

President Trump addressed the attack Thursday, saying, “I want to send our love to the Michigan Jewish community and all the people of Detroit, the Detroit area, following the attack on the Jewish synagogue earlier today.

Temple Israel is located at 5725 Walnut Lake Road, near the intersection of Walnut Lake and Drake roads. According to its website, it is the largest Reform synagogue in the United States.

The Detroit FBI says it conducted active shooter prevention and awareness training at Temple Israel in January 2026.

Multiple agencies, including West Bloomfield Police, the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office and Michigan State Police, responded to the scene. Emergency personnel were working to clear Israel’s Temple.

“Don’t come to the area. It’s active, it’s busy,” Bouchard told those who otherwise wouldn’t be in the area.

The Jewish Community Center is where parents of Temple Israel students can meet their children, officials said.

“We are asking community members to stay clear of the area to allow police to respond. Officers are also increasing patrols at other places of worship in the district,” Michigan State Police said.

Several police departments in southeast Michigan say they do so increase patrols in their communities.

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer released a statement saying she was monitoring the situation.

“Michigan’s Jewish community should be able to live and practice their faith in peace. Anti-Semitism and violence have no place in Michigan. I hope for everyone’s safety,” Whitmer said.

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel issued a statement saying in part: “Anti-Semitism has no place in Michigan and cannot be tolerated. In times like these, it is more important than ever that we come together, stand with our neighbors, confront hatred whenever it appears, and build stronger communities.

Dawud Walid, executive director of the Michigan chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, condemned Thursday’s attack, saying, “There is no justification for anyone to direct violence against any home, worship or religious institution.” »