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By Jenna Sundel, Gabe Whisnant, and Joshua Rhett Miller
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A man armed with a rifle rammed a vehicle into what is believed to be the nation’s largest Reform Jewish synagogue in a Detroit suburb on Thursday and was fatally shot by security personnel, according to the Associated Press.
The vehicle burst into flames after crashing into Temple Israel in West Bloomfield Township, the person said.
Oakland County Sheriff Mike Bouchard said earlier that armed security at the synagogue exchanged gunfire with at least one individual. He said no suspects were in custody and did not immediately provide additional details about the shooting.
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White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told Newsweek, "The President has been briefed on the shooting in Michigan."
Why It Matters
Synagogues around the world have been on high alert and ramping up security since the U.S. and Israel launched a war with Iran on February 28.
The FBI has warned that Iranian operatives may be planning drone attacks on targets in California. Two men brought explosives to a far-right protest outside the New York City mayoral mansion on Saturday. Investigators have alleged that they were inspired by the Islamic State extremist group.
What To Know
Local television station WDIV reported that a truck struck the synagogue, with smoke visible rising from the building. Video from the scene showed dozens of police vehicles surrounding the property as officers secured the area.
FBI Director Kash Patel said federal agents were responding to what he described as an apparent vehicle ramming and active shooter situation at the synagogue. Law enforcement officials said authorities were methodically clearing the building.
Parents were briefly allowed to enter the complex to retrieve children from an early childhood learning center housed inside the synagogue, after receiving approval from police. The West Bloomfield School District placed its schools on lockdown as a precaution.
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer said in a statement that she was monitoring the situation and expressed support for the Jewish community.
“This is heartbreaking,” Whitmer said. “Michigan’s Jewish community should be able to live and practice their faith in peace.”
Michigan State Police's Second District, which serves Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties, said it is aware of an active shooting incident that is ongoing in West Bloomfield at Temple Israel.
"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," Michigan State Police said on X.
The Detroit Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) said on X that it is responding to a suspected active shooter at Temple Israel.
Temple Israel describes itself as the largest Reform synagogue in the United States, with about 12,000 members, according to its website. The synagogue operates an early childhood education center and offers a range of educational and religious programs for children, families and adults.
The synagogue’s website says its mission includes strengthening Jewish communities locally and globally and fostering connection through Reform Judaism.
In response to the incident, the Jewish Federation of Detroit advised Jewish organizations across the region to implement lockout procedures, instructing that no one enter or leave buildings until further notice as authorities continued their response.
The Michigan incident comes as Canadian police are investigating two shootings targeting synagogues in North York and Thornhill, Ontario.
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What People Are Saying
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, on X: "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 Pam Bondi, on X: "Our @FBI and @ATFHQ agents are on the scene assisting local authorities at Temple Israel synagogue in West Bloomfield, Michigan. Please pray."
Senator Gary Peters of Michigan, on X: "My heart is with the families and everyone affected by the violence at Temple Israel in West Bloomfield. I am monitoring the situation, and people should follow the direction of law enforcement. I’m grateful for these first responders for their quick response. All Americans should feel safe where they pray, work, and live. Antisemitism has no place in our society and we all must come together to condemn this horrible violence."
Updates: 3/12/26, 3:01 p.m. ET: This article was updated with new information and remarks.
This story includes reporting by the Associated Press.
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