A man suspected of deliberately driving a truck into a synagogue in suburban Detroit was shot dead on Thursday after security guards opened fire, authorities said. No worshippers or staff were seriously injured, though a security officer struck by the vehicle was taken to hospital. Investigators later reported discovering explosives inside the suspect’s vehicle.
The incident took place at Temple Israel in West Bloomfield, a suburb of Detroit, at about 12.30 p.m. local time, according to Michigan state police. Authorities said the suspect drove his truck into the building’s entrance doors and continued down a corridor before confronting security personnel, who fired at him.
Officials said it remained unclear at the time of publication whether the suspect was killed by security guards or died by suicide.
During a search of the vehicle, investigators discovered explosive materials. CNN, citing multiple law enforcement sources, reported that a large quantity of explosives was found in the car’s boot. Oakland county sheriff Michael Bouchard said investigators were continuing to examine the vehicle.
“We have no injuries other than one security officer who was struck by the vehicle and transported to hospital for treatment. That individual is expected to be fine,” Bouchard said.
Temple Israel, which has more than 12,000 congregants, also operates an early childhood centre serving children from six weeks old. Local media reported that nursery school children — some of whom had fled to nearby homes — were later taken by bus to a nearby reunification site to meet their parents.
Aerial footage from the scene showed plumes of smoke rising from the building’s roof as police and fire crews arrived.
FBI director Kash Patel confirmed that federal agents were on the scene alongside local authorities, describing the event as “an apparent vehicle ramming and active shooting incident.” The Jewish Federation of Detroit said its affiliated facilities had been closed as a precaution.
Jewish organisations across the United States have been operating under heightened security since US and Israeli forces carried out strikes on Iran on February 28. According to the FBI, nearly two-thirds of religiously motivated hate crimes reported in the US over the past two years have targeted Jewish people.
“Antisemitism has no place in Michigan and cannot be tolerated,” said Michigan attorney general Dana Nessel. “At moments like this, it is more important than ever that we come together, support our neighbours, confront hatred whenever it appears and build stronger communities.”
