Federal authorities are investigating a violent attack at a synagogue in suburban Detroit that involved a truck ramming and gunfire.
The incident occurred Thursday at Temple Israel in West Bloomfield, Michigan. Officials say the suspect attempted to storm the building but was stopped by armed security personnel.
The FBI said the attack is being investigated as a targeted act of violence against the Jewish community.
The investigation is being led by the FBI Detroit Field Office along with local law enforcement agencies.
Suspect Identified by Authorities
The Department of Homeland Security identified the suspect as 41 year old Ayman Mohamad Ghazali.
Officials said he was a naturalized U.S. citizen originally from Lebanon.
Investigators said Ghazali entered the United States in 2011 on an immigrant visa as the spouse of a U.S. citizen.
He later became a U.S. citizen in 2016.
Authorities say he was armed with a rifle during the attack.
Security Guards Stopped the Threat
According to Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard, the suspect drove a truck around security barriers and crashed through the synagogue’s entrance.
The vehicle reportedly traveled through a hallway before security personnel opened fire.
The suspect died during the exchange of gunfire.
Bouchard praised the synagogue’s security team for preventing a larger tragedy.
“The security staff did an amazing job. They stopped the threat,” he said.
Injuries and Fire Reported
One synagogue security guard was struck by the suspect’s truck and briefly knocked unconscious.
Officials said the guard is expected to recover.
The crash also triggered a fire inside the building.
Thirty law enforcement officers were treated at hospitals for smoke inhalation after responding to the scene.
Investigators are still determining how the fire started.
Children and Staff Kept Safe
Temple Israel confirmed that 140 students were inside the building during the attack.
Teachers and staff quickly followed safety procedures and protected the children.
The synagogue said all students, teachers, and staff were safely accounted for.
Officials from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security encourage communities to report suspicious activity to prevent similar threats.
Possible Explosive Materials Found
Law enforcement sources said the suspect’s truck contained fireworks and an unidentified chemical substance.
The materials ignited after the crash, which may have contributed to the fire inside the building.
Authorities are conducting forensic testing to determine the exact cause.
Leaders Respond to the Attack
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer called the attack heartbreaking and said the Jewish community deserves to live and worship in peace.
President Donald Trump said he had been fully briefed on the situation and expressed support for the Jewish community in Michigan.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog also spoke with local Jewish leaders and expressed solidarity following the attack.
Officials say the investigation is still in its early stages as agents search the suspect’s home and review evidence to determine the motive.