Suspect dies after synagogue attack in Michigan: reports
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
Law enforcement respond near Temple Israel following reports of an active shooter on March 12 in West Bloomfield, Mich. Photo: Emily Elconin/Getty Images
A suspect is dead after ramming a vehicle into Temple Israel Synagogue, in Detroit's suburbs, while armed with a rifle, per multiple outlets.
The latest: While local police aren't sure if the attack was an act of terrorism, it comes when antisemitism is on the rise and FBI Director Kash Patel has warned U.S. forces to be on "high alert" amid the Iran war.
What they're saying: "This is heartbreaking," Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) said in a Thursday statement.
- "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."
- "We've been talking for two weeks about the potential, sadly, of this happening, so there was no lack of preparation," Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard said at a press conference.
- "In addition, all Jewish facilities in the area are going to have a lot of extra presence around it until we figure this out."
Driving the news: A large number of explosives were found in the back of the suspect's vehicle, law enforcement officials told CNN.
- Locals have been told to shelter in place until officials know more.
- Temple Israel says it is the nation's largest Reform synagogue and has a school on the premises.
- There were no injuries to students or school staff, according to Bouchard.
- Dozens of parents rushed onto the scene to pick up their children, and the West Bloomfield School District was shuttered, according to the AP.
Zoom out: "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," Patel said on X.
- In February, he said the FBI's counterterrorism teams were on high alert due to the Iran war.
Worth noting: The FBI is investigating a second school shooting Thursday at Old Dominion University as an "act of terrorism," Patel wrote on X.
- Roughly 30% of the school's students are military-affiliated, and the university is based in Norfolk, Virginia, home to one of the largest naval bases in the world.
- The shooting was allegedly carried out by a former Virginia National Guard member who pleaded guilty in 2016 to attempting to provide material support to ISIS, according to NBC News.
- The suspect is reportedly dead. At least two of the victims were a part of the school's ROTC program.
Editor's note: This is a breaking news story. Check back for updates.
