Suspect killed after ramming vehicle into Detroit-area synagogue

An armed man rammed a vehicle into one of the nation’s largest Reform Jewish synagogues in a suburb of Detroit, Michigan, on March 12, before being fatally shot by security personnel, police said.

The incident occurred shortly before 1 p.m. at Temple Israel in West Bloomfield, about 27 miles northwest of Detroit. Authorities said none of the synagogue’s staff or the children at its early childhood center were injured.

Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard told reporters that the suspect, who has not been identified, crashed through the synagogue’s front doors and drove down a hallway before being engaged in gunfire by security. The suspect’s vehicle caught fire during the incident, he added. Authorities have not yet released information about the suspect’s possible motive.

According to FOX News, a hospital in West Bloomfield is treating eight first responders who were involved in the incident. The hospital did not disclose details about their injuries. 

In a message issued shortly after the attack, Temple Israel said that all 140 students in its early childhood center, along with its teachers and staff, were accounted for and safe. 

“Temple Israel was the victim of a terrorist gunman who was confronted and neutralized by our security personnel who are truly heroes,” the synagogue wrote.

During remarks at an unrelated White House event March 12, President Donald Trump said he had been “fully briefed” on the attack and pledged officials are “going to get right down to the bottom of it.” 

Trump added, “I want to send our love to the Michigan Jewish community and all of the people in Detroit, Detroit area, following the attack on the Jewish synagogue early today.”