Suspect Dead in Detroit-Area Synagogue Shooting, No Other Casualties Reported

The suspect in a vehicle that rammed into a Detroit-area synagogue was shot dead, according to a law enforcement official, with no other casualties from the incident immediately reported.

Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard told reporters around 2:30 p.m. EDT that a vehicle had breached the doors of the Temple Israel synagogue and driven down a hallway, hitting one security guard, who was taken to the hospital for treatment. 

Security guards immediately engaged the suspect in the vehicle, he said. The Associated Press reported that the suspect was armed with a rifle. No other casualties were reported.

The Michigan State Police had reported an active shooting incident on Thursday at the synagogue, and law enforcement authorities rushed to the scene.

FBI Director Kash Patel wrote on X: “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 in West Bloomfield Township, Michigan.”

Aerial news footage from the scene showed plumes of smoke rising from the roof of the synagogue, with several police vehicles nearby.

The Jewish Federation of Detroit posted a message on its Facebook page saying its affiliated agencies were “currently in precautionary lockdown” in response to the Temple Israel incident.

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer issued a statement calling the reports “heartbreaking.”

“Michigan’s Jewish community should be able to live and practice their faith in peace. Antisemitism and violence have no place in Michigan,” the Democrat governor stated.

Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Harmeet Dhillon stated on X that her division was “actively monitoring” the incident and that the Justice Department “will not tolerate any attacks on houses of worship in America!”

This story is developing and will be updated.

Reuters contributed to this story.