Suspect Dead After Vehicle Rams Temple Israel Synagogue in West Bloomfield Michigan Shooting
A man drove a truck through the entrance of Temple Israel in West Bloomfield, Michigan on Thursday afternoon, breaching the building before being engaged by synagogue security in a shooting that left the suspect dead and a security guard hospitalized. No congregants, children, or staff were injured.
Active Shooter at Temple Israel West Bloomfield
Michigan State Police confirmed an "active shooting incident" began early Thursday afternoon at Temple Israel, located at 5725 Walnut Lake Road in West Bloomfield Township, near the intersection of Walnut Lake and Drake roads. The alert spread rapidly across the Detroit metro, triggering emergency responses from dozens of agencies within minutes.
Oakland County Sheriff Mike Bouchard said the man drove a truck into the synagogue. Security officers "engaged with the suspect" and began firing at him. The vehicle breached the building through the doors and drove down a hallway before stopping inside, where security confronted him.
Two law enforcement sources told CBS News the suspect rammed the vehicle into the synagogue, then exited with a rifle before being shot by synagogue security. Bouchard declined to confirm the exact cause of death, noting that something inside the vehicle ignited and that investigators are clearing the car for possible IED explosives out of an abundance of caution.
Security Guard Hospitalized, Children Evacuated
The attack could have been far worse. One of the lead security personnel who was hit by the vehicle and "knocked unconscious" was taken to an area hospital for treatment and is expected to be okay. The guard was pulled from the area by his team.
"No kids — this is the important thing — no kids or no staff was injured whatsoever," Bouchard said. Preschool children were evacuated from Temple Israel's Early Childhood Center, and parents were able to reunite with their children across the street at Shenandoah Country Club around 1:20 p.m.
At least 80 police cars from surrounding municipalities responded, lining Walnut Lake Road for about one mile. Plymouth, Bloomfield Hills, and Farmington Hills officers all responded alongside Michigan State Police, and Bloomfield Hills Schools were placed in secure mode.
FBI Responds to Michigan Synagogue Attack
FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed agents were on scene, calling it an "apparent vehicle ramming and active shooter situation." He added that FBI personnel are working with parents in Michigan. ATF agents also arrived to assist local law enforcement.
Authorities are calling for community members to shelter in place within a 1-mile radius of the temple. Law enforcement is still working to determine whether another person was involved. Bouchard said it is "way too early" to discuss motive.
President Donald Trump was briefed on the synagogue shooting, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters. Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer issued a statement saying she was monitoring the situation and thanking law enforcement for its swift response.
Michigan's Largest Reform Synagogue Targeted
Temple Israel is known as one of the largest Reform congregations in the United States, serving about 3,400 families. The synagogue, founded in 1941, operates an early childhood education center on the grounds — which was in session at the time of the attack.
The apparent attack unfolded amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, where the U.S. and Israel are in conflict with Iran. It comes roughly five months after a fatal attack at a Mormon church in Grand Blanc. Michigan State Police announced it was increasing patrols at other places of worship across the district.
"Security did their job, and then the responders did theirs," Bouchard said.
