A suspect is dead after ramming a vehicle into Temple Israel, a synagogue in West Bloomfield Township, Michigan, on Thursday, according to Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard.
Synagogue Attack in West Bloomfield
No children or staff were injured in the incident, Bouchard said. One security guard was hospitalized after being struck by the vehicle, but is expected to recover.
Law enforcement is still working to clear the area, but believes all individuals who were inside the building have been located, Bouchard stated. The suspect drove the vehicle completely through the synagogue’s doors.
According to the sheriff, security personnel confronted the suspect with gunfire after observing the individual. When the suspect arrived at the synagogue, security engaged him, Bouchard told reporters.
Emergency teams discovered what appeared to be a large quantity of explosives in the vehicle, multiple law enforcement officials briefed on the scene reported.
Authorities are unable to determine the extent of the damage to the synagogue. “I can’t even tell you” the extent of the damage, Bouchard said, adding that law enforcement had to “send people in with gas masks to clear that area.”
Bouchard stated It’s “tough to say” how fast the suspect was driving when the vehicle rammed into the building, noting he “was traveling with purpose and down the hall, from my look at the video.”
The incident prompted Bloomfield Hills Schools to enter a “secure mode,” according to a social media post from the Bloomfield Township Police Department.
West Bloomfield Township is located approximately 25 miles northwest of Detroit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened at Temple Israel?
A suspect drove a vehicle into the synagogue and was confronted with gunfire by security personnel. The suspect is deceased.
Were there any injuries?
No children or staff were injured. One security guard was hospitalized but is expected to recover.
Is the area still affected?
Law enforcement is still clearing the area, and Bloomfield Hills Schools entered a “secure mode” as a precaution.
What further steps will be taken to ensure the safety of religious institutions in the wake of this event remains to be seen.
