[UPDATED — 3:22 p.m. EST]
The suspect in the attack on a Michigan synagogue is dead, according to the Oakland County sheriff, after a vehicle was rammed into the building and gunfire erupted Thursday afternoon.
Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard said synagogue security officers “engaged the threat” after the vehicle rammed the building, and the suspect was later found dead inside the vehicle.
Investigators are still determining whether the suspect was killed by security personnel or died by suicide, authorities said.
No fatalities among synagogue members, staff, or children were reported.
One security guard was injured after being struck by the vehicle, but officials said the injuries were not life threatening.
The vehicle caught fire after the crash, sending smoke billowing from the synagogue complex.
Authorities later discovered explosives inside the suspect’s vehicle, prompting a bomb squad response as investigators secured the scene.
[ORIGINAL ARTICLE]
Police responded Thursday afternoon to reports of an “active shooter situation” at Temple Israel in West Bloomfield Township, Michigan, after a vehicle crashed into the synagogue and gunfire was reportedly heard.
The incident occurred shortly before 1 p.m. at the synagogue on Walnut Lake Road, according to local authorities and Detroit-area media.
Smoke could be seen rising from at least one entrance of the building near playground equipment.
Witnesses reported seeing a heavy police presence with officers holding rifles, and people in the area were told to leave.
Multiple law enforcement agencies responded, including West Bloomfield police, the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office, and Michigan State Police.
Current status
At the time of the latest reports:
- Police described it as an “active situation” rather than confirming a shooting.
- No injuries have been reported, but multiple ambulances are on scene.
- Authorities urged the public to avoid the area while the investigation continued.
About the location
Temple Israel is a large Reform Jewish congregation in West Bloomfield Township, a Detroit suburb, and is considered one of the largest Reform synagogues in the United States.
This is a breaking news story. Please check back for updates.
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HUH? Police running into the same door?
NO! Surround the building! The punk could get out of another door!
Too bad that there wasn’t a few armed Jews already in the building. The situation could well have ended differently!
This CRAP has got to stop. Innocent people getting shot at? How stupid is that?