A suspect is dead and a security guard injured after a crash and shooting incident at a Jewish synagogue in Michigan Thursday.
According to authorities, a vehicle “breached” the Temple Israel in West Bloomfield and drove into the building. A security guard at the synagogue “engaged in gunfire” with a suspect inside the vehicle, Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard said.
No injuries were reported to those inside the building, but Bouchard said the security guard was hit by the car and taken to an area hospital for treatment, but is expected to be OK.
The suspect was believed to be “deceased in the vehicle,” Bouchard said.
Multiple bomb squad officers were investigating the vehicle, the sheriff said, noting there were concerns about the origins of something that ignited following the crash.
Police had earlier said they were responding to an “active shooter” situation at the synagogue outside of Detroit, urging people asked to shelter in place amid a massive response.
“At the moment, we just tell people shelter in place for at least a mile area until we determine that there’s no one else that maybe was on foot and fled the area,” Bouchard said. “Until we figure out exactly what’s going on.”
Temple Israel’s website states that it has a preschool and large congregation, calling it the “nation’s largest Reform synagogue.”
Bouchard noted that all individuals had been removed from the school and reunification was taking place at The Jewish Center.
The Jewish Federation of Detroit said it was aware of a “security incident” and initially placed its Jewish agencies “in precautionary lockdown.”
Around 1:30 p.m., the group said it had “received word that while there is still a large security presence at Temple Israel, all other Jewish organizations are no longer required to be in lockdown or lockout protocol.”
“There will continue to be a strong police and security presence throughout the community,” the group wrote on social media. “We ask community members to refrain from speculation or sharing unconfirmed information – especially on social media.”
Michigan State Police said it was increasing patrols at places of worship in the area in wake of the incident.
Attorney General Pam Bondi also noted that FBI and ATF agents were assisting local authorities at the scene.
“The President has been briefed on the shooting in Michigan,” White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said.
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel said she was “closely monitoring the situation.”
“My heart is with the congregation and community of Temple Israel as law enforcement responds to reports of an active shooter. We are closely monitoring the situation and urge residents to follow the requests of local law enforcement as they work to secure the area and protect lives,” she said in a statement. “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.”
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer called the incident “heartbreaking.”
“Michigan’s Jewish community should be able to live and practice their faith in peace,” she wrote in a message on social media. “Antisemitism and violence have no place in Michigan. I am hoping for everyone’s safety. Thank you to law enforcement for their swift action.”
