A suspect is dead after local, state and federal law enforcement authorities responded to an “active shooting” at a Reform Jewish synagogue Thursday in West Bloomfield, Michigan. The suspect allegedly rammed a vehicle into the house of worship and opened fire, according to authorities.
The shooting, which unfolded at about 12:30 p.m. local time Thursday, took place at Temple Israel, according to Michigan State Police.
The suspect’s truck was “traveling with purpose,” when it slammed into the doors of the synagogue, knocking a security guard unconscious.
A senior federal law enforcement source confirmed to Fox News that another armed security guard shot and killed the suspect after he allegedly opened fire with a rifle.
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During the shooting, something in the truck ignited, causing a fire inside the vehicle, according to authorities. The suspect’s body is badly burned.
Officials would not confirm whether explosives were in the truck, but said law enforcement is clearing the area using bomb K-9s.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed President Donald Trump had been briefed on the shooting.
FBI Director Kash Patel said his personnel are at the scene with partners in Michigan and are responding to the “apparent vehicle ramming and active shooter situation.”
Attorney General Pam Bondi confirmed the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) is also responding to assist, asking the public to “please pray.”
Bloomfield Township Police confirmed Bloomfield Hills schools are in secure mode.
“This is out of precaution, there are no known threats to Bloomfield Hills schools at this time,” the agency wrote in a statement.
Temple Israel is the nation’s largest Reform synagogue.
U.S. Census Bureau data from 2020 showed people of Middle Eastern or North African ancestry made up the majority of the population in a nearby city, Dearborn, Michigan, at 54.5%, according to a report from local outlet Click On Detroit.
Dearborn, which is about 30 minutes away from the synagogue, elected its first Arab American Mayor, Abdullah Hammoud, in 2021.
Following the shooting, Hammoud posted on social media noting he is “keeping the congregation at the synagogue in our prayers as this situation continues to unfold.”
“Hoping for everyone’s safety and for the safety of first responders working to secure the scene,” Hammoud wrote. “No one should fear violence while gathering in faith.”
In a previous post less than a week ago, Hammoud attacked Israel, alleging the country has a “genocidal government.”
“Let’s be clear. This is not a religious war, no matter how much the fanatics in this federal administration and the genocidal government of Israel want to frame it that way,” he wrote. “… Our government is pouring billions into bombs that are killing innocent civilians and helping Benjamin Netanyahu and the Israeli government expand their ambitions in the region. My residents are exhausted watching their families in Lebanon evacuate their homes for the third or fourth time, only to be bombed and killed. Enough.”
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Neighboring agency Ann Arbor Police Department said its officers will also increase patrols and respond to local houses of worship and schools throughout the city as a precautionary measure.
“We are asking for community members to stay away from the area to allow for police response,” state police wrote in a statement. “Troopers are also increasing patrols at other places of worship in the district.”
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said she is tracking reports and working with Michigan State Police to get more information.
“This is heartbreaking,” Whitmer wrote in an X post. “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.”
Other governors, including Democratic California Gov. Gavin Newsom, said they are coordinating with authorities to keep Jewish communities safe.
The Oakland County Sheriff’s Office and Bloomfield Township Police did not immediately respond to inquiries from Fox News Digital.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
Affiliate FOX 2 Detriot contributed to this report.
