Temple Israel attack: FBI, Michigan leaders respond to active shooter in West Bloomfield Synagogue

WEST BLOOMFIELD, MICHIGAN: Authorities responded to an active shooter situation at Temple Israel synagogue in suburban Detroit on Thursday, March 12, after a suspect rammed a vehicle into the building, prompting a large law enforcement response and the evacuation of the site.

Officials said that the incident unfolded around midday at the synagogue in West Bloomfield Township.

Federal, state and local law enforcement agencies moved to secure the area as officials urged residents to stay away while the situation was brought under control.

West Bloomfield's Temple Israel attacked

Police said a suspect drove a vehicle into the front entrance of Temple Israel, steering around security bollards before crashing into the building. The impact sparked a fire at the entrance, according to preliminary reports.

Authorities said the suspect was armed, reportedly with a rifle, and the incident triggered an immediate security response at the synagogue.

Several media reports said the suspect was killed during a shootout with synagogue security personnel.

The building was evacuated while emergency crews and law enforcement secured the site. Nearby residents were also advised to shelter in place during the response.

Temple Israel is the largest Reform synagogue in the US, with roughly 12,000 members, and the complex includes community facilities such as a preschool.

FBI and Michigan state authorities jump into action

Law enforcement agencies, including the Michigan State Police, the Oakland County Sheriff's Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), responded to the incident.

Michigan State Police said shortly after the incident that "Federal, State, County and Local Police are continuing to secure the area around the Temple. We continue to ask members of the community to stay away from the scene as it is not safe."

The authorities also said troopers were increasing patrols at other places of worship in the district.

The FBI said agents were working alongside local authorities at the scene.

Kash Patel wrote on the social media platform X that FBI personnel were responding to "the apparent vehicle ramming and active shooter situation" at the synagogue in West Bloomfield Township.

Michigan governor comments on attack

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer said she was monitoring reports of the attack and working with state police to gather more information.

In a statement, the governor said that the incident was "heartbreaking" and added that Michigan’s Jewish community should be able to practice their faith in peace.

Garlin Gilchrist II, the state’s lieutenant governor, said that he was aware of reports of the active shooter situation and thanked first responders who rushed to the scene.

Gilchrist added that violence directed at the Jewish community or any faith community had no place in Michigan.

There were no confirmed injuries reported by Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard or other law enforcement sources as the investigation continued.

Officials said they would provide further updates once the situation was fully assessed.