Shooter dead, kids safe: What we know about Michigan synagogue shooting attack

WEST BLOOMFIELD, Mich. — Shots were fired at a West Bloomfield Township synagogue Thursday afternoon after a vehicle rammed into the building's front door, prompting nearby schools to shelter in place and emergency officials to warn residents to avoid the area.

The incident happened before 1 p.m. at Temple Israel, 5725 Walnut Lake Road, west of Orchard Lake Road and east of Drake.

Members of the synagogue were told via text before 1:30 p.m.: "Lockdown is still in place, but the active shooter has been taken down. Lockdown will be in place until they know that the shooter was working alone. All kids and all staff accounted for and fine. Truck rammed into front door and opened fire."

The shooter is dead, a source who had been briefed on the investigation told The Detroit News.

No other injuries had been confirmed as of 1:40 p.m., according to Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard.

"Nobody at the moment has been confirmed to be hurt, except potentially the shooter," Bouchard said. "... It's active, and it's busy, and we're still trying to figure it out."

The incident in West Bloomfield comes amid a wave of violence targeting synagogues in North America. In Toronto alone, three synagogues have been hit by gunfire this month, according to authorities there.

The incident prompted all nearby school districts, including Bloomfield Hills and Farmington Hills, along with houses of worship to shelter in place while police responded. Officials urged the public to stay away from the area and said more information would be released as it became available.

"The Michigan State Police is aware of an active shooting incident that is ongoing in West Bloomfield," said the state police in a statement. "We are asking for community members to stay away from the area to allow for police response. Troopers are also increasing patrols at other places of worship in the district."

Authorities, meanwhile, appeared to be searching for an additional suspect around 2 p.m. It was unclear if there was one.

Oakland County SWAT vehicles moved through a mass of police cruisers, along with an armored vehicle.

Beth Swis, a Sylvan Lake resident, said she had heard one person was shot and that there was a potential second shooter.

“I came to the scene to pray for people," Swis said. “I saw a woman running with a kid (toward where the attack was). She had an expression, like the expression you saw from people on 9/11.”

Active shooter prompts massive emergency response

Dozens of police and emergency vehicles from across Oakland County rushed to the scene early Thursday afternoon — including state police and West Bloomfield, Farmington Hills, Clawson, Auburn Hills, Birmingham, Pleasant Ridge police.

“We are aware of an active security incident at Temple Israel. Law enforcement are responding. Our Jewish agencies are currently in precautionary lockdown. We ask community members to stay away from the area at this time,” the Jewish Federation of Detroit said in a statement.

Oakland County Sheriff spokesman Stephen Huber said deputies are clearing the building now. He had no further comment.

Whitmer, Nessel issue statements on Temple Israel active shooter

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer issued a statement that read: "I am tracking reports of an active shooting at Temple Israel in West Bloomfield. We are working with Michigan State Police to get more information. This is heartbreaking. Michigan's Jewish community should be able to live and practice their faith in peace. Antisemitism and violence have no place in Michigan. I am hoping for everyone's safety. Thank you to law enforcement for their swift action."

Attorney General Dana Nessel said antisemitism "has no place in Michigan and cannot be tolerated."

"In moments like these, it’s more important than ever that we come together, stand with our neighbors, confront hate whenever it appears, and build stronger communities," she said.

FBI on scene at Temple Israel

Federal authorities also responded to the scene. Nearly two dozen FBI agents were on the Temple Israel campus, along with Drug Enforcement Agency agents.

FBI Director Kash Patel said on X that FBI personnel are "on the scene with partners in Michigan and responding to the apparent vehicle ramming and active shooter situation out of Temple Israel Synagogue."

Outside the synagogue, more than a dozen people stood near Walnut Lake Road, waiting for information. Helicopters swarmed above.

What is Temple Israel?

Temple Israel is one of multiple synagogues across West Bloomfield. Its current campus was built in 1980 and expanded in 1989. It includes an early childhood center and a religious school for kids in preschool through 12th grade.

Michigan has endured attacks at religious institutions

At least two other religious institutions have been attacked in Michigan in less than a year. In September last year, a man drove his truck into a Church of Latter Day Saints in Grand Blanc Township and also set the building on fire, killing four and injuring multiple others.

And in June last year, a gunman approached CrossPointe Community Church in Wayne with multiple guns and attempted to enter before he was fatally shot by a member of the church's security team.

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