A gunman who rammed his vehicle into a synagogue in West Bloomfield, Michigan — a suburb of Detroit — was shot dead on Thursday, March 12, authorities said.
The incident happened at Temple Israel, the largest Reform synagogue in the United States. Officials confirmed that while the suspect died during the confrontation, no other injuries were reported.
The Oakland County Sheriff’s Office and agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation responded after reports of an active shooter at the synagogue.
Authorities said the armed suspect drove a vehicle into the building before the car caught fire. Law enforcement officers then fatally shot the attacker.
In an online statement, the sheriff’s office said multiple agencies had responded to the emergency and were working to secure and clear the building.
Emergency vehicles quickly filled the area around the synagogue as officers investigated the situation.
Kash Patel, director of the FBI, confirmed that federal agents were on the scene responding to what was described as a vehicle-ramming and active shooter incident.
Footage from the area showed a heavy police presence and smoke rising near the synagogue shortly after the crash.
The Jewish Federation of Detroit said it had placed its facilities on a precautionary lockdown and instructed members to follow emergency safety procedures.
West Bloomfield, located in the state of Michigan, has a large Jewish community.
The incident comes at a time of heightened global tension following the ongoing military confrontation involving the United States, Israel and Iran.
