The individual who crashed his vehicle into one of the largest Reform synagogues in the United States on Thursday has been named as Ayman Mohamad Ghazali, a 41-year-old naturalized citizen originally from Lebanon, according to federal sources.
Ghazali was shot and killed by security personnel after driving through a corridor at Temple Israel in West Bloomfield Township, close to Detroit, Michigan, where his vehicle subsequently ignited, authorities reported.
He arrived in the United States in 2011 on a relative visa as the spouse of a U.S. citizen and became a U.S. citizen in 2016, as stated by the Department of Homeland Security.
Jennifer Runyan, the special agent in charge of the FBI’s Detroit office, described the incident as a “targeted act of violence against the Jewish community,” announcing during a press briefing on Thursday that the FBI is spearheading the inquiry.
As of now, investigators have not established a motive for the attack.
According to Oakland County Sheriff Mike Bouchard, none of the synagogue’s personnel, educators, or the 140 children present at its early childhood center were harmed.
During a late afternoon press conference, Bouchard indicated that roughly 30 law enforcement officials were treated for smoke inhalation.
Authorities report that the suspect who assaulted a synagogue in the Detroit area with a vehicle is deceased, and one security guard sustained injuries during the event. They also noted that security personnel exchanged gunfire with the assailant but did not clarify the circumstances of the suspect’s death.
Largest Reform synagogue
Temple Israel claims to be the largest Reform synagogue in the country, boasting 12,000 members as per its website. Beyond the early childhood education center, it provides programs for families and adults.
The synagogue’s website states its commitment to “supporting Jewish communities worldwide” and aims to “create a communal space through the perspective of Reform Judaism.”
On Thursday afternoon, Temple Israel released a statement confirming that there were no physical injuries resulting from the incident, including the 140 children present in the early childhood learning center during the vehicle’s intrusion.
The statement praised the security staff who “confronted and neutralized” the driver and mentioned that educators followed established protocols to ensure the children’s safety.
It also expressed appreciation for the Michigan community that quickly rallied to support synagogue members after the attack, including the Shenendoah Country Club, which provided shelter and meals for staff, children, and parents during the turmoil.
“What remarkable neighbors we have. What an extraordinary police force we have,” the statement read.
Law enforcement responds to an incident at the Temple Israel synagogue in West Bloomfield Township, Michigan. (Corey Williams/The Associated Press )
Heightened security
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer described the attack as “heartbreaking” in a statement.
“The Jewish community in Michigan deserves to live and practice their faith without fear,” the statement emphasized.
Jewish organizations across the United States have been operating under increased security measures since U.S. and Israeli forces initiated airstrikes on Iran on February 28, leading to escalating conflict in the Middle East.
“For the past two weeks, we have been discussing the unfortunate possibility of such an occurrence. Therefore, we were well-prepared,” Bouchard stated on CNN. “All Jewish facilities in the area will see augmented security until we understand the situation better.”
“Antisemitism has no place in Michigan and must not be accepted,” said Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel in a statement. “In times like these, it is crucial that we unite, support our neighbors, confront hatred whenever it arises, and build stronger communities.”
Three synagogues in Ontario were shot at within the last week — two in North York and one in Vaughan. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
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Rabbi Jeffrey Myers, a survivor of the 2018 Pittsburgh synagogue shooting, stated that the attack in Michigan highlights once more the dire results of hatred.
“We lose our humanity when we resort to violent solutions,” Myers expressed in a statement. “No individual should live in fear because of their identity.”
Myers serves as rabbi for the Tree of Life Congregation, where 11 worshippers from three congregations were killed in the deadliest antisemitic attack recorded in U.S. history. The perpetrator is currently on death row.