Police responded to reports of an "active shooter" at Temple Israel, a Jewish synagogue in the northern suburbs of Detroit, Michigan.
Videos by Wide Open Country
The incident took place on Thursday, March 12. The suspect is believed to have intentionally rammed their vehicle into the entrance of the preschool inside the building. Reports state that the suspect is now dead.
Following the collision, a fire broke out on campus. Authorities responded before 1 p.m. local time, according to law enforcement sources and reported by the New York Post.
Witnesses Heard Gunshots at Temple Israel
Aerial footage from the scene showed smoke coming from the building after the crash. Meanwhile, television station WDIV reported that witnesses heard gunshots, though it was unclear whether the shots came from officers or the driver.
In the aftermath, parents of preschool children received updates confirming that all students and staff were safe. In response, other schools in the West Bloomfield, Michigan, area, where Temple Israel is located, initiated an immediate lockdown. No additional injuries have been reported.
FBI Was on the Scene
FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed FBI personnel arrived on the scene after what the agency describes as a "vehicle ramming and active shooter situation." Additionally, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) agents assisted local law enforcement, according to Attorney General Pam Bondi.
"Our @FBI and @ATFHQ agents are on the scene assisting local authorities at Temple Israel synagogue in West Bloomfield, Michigan. Please pray," she posted on X.
Meanwhile, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt informed reporters that President Donald Trump had been briefed on the incident and referred to it as a "shooting."
Officers continue to describe the incident at the synagogue as an "active situation" and urge locals to stay away from the area.
Echoing law enforcement, the Jewish Federation of Detroit released a statement: "We are aware of an active security incident at Temple Israel. Law enforcement are responding. Our Jewish agencies are currently in precautionary lockdown. We ask community members to stay away from the area at this time."
Temple Israel is in Oakland County, Michigan, which has one of the largest populations outside New York City. The county is 20 miles north of Dearborn, home to the largest Muslim and Arab population in the United States.
