A suspect is dead following a shooting at a Jewish synagogue in West Bloomfield, Michigan, two law enforcement officials briefed on the situation told MS NOW. No other injuries have been reported.
A person entered Temple Israel and was engaged in gunfire by security, Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard told reporters.
There is no longer “active stimulus at the moment,” Bouchard said. Authorities are calling for community members to shelter in place within a 1-mile radius of the temple. Law enforcement is still trying to figure out whether there’s another person involved, the sheriff said.
The attack unfolded at Temple Israel, which describes itself on its website as the country’s largest Jewish Reform congregation. The synagogue is located in West Bloomfield, roughly 25 miles north of Detroit.
The synagogue has an early childhood education center. Bouchard, the sheriff, said he believed all the children had been safely evacuated.
The FBI was responding to “the apparent vehicle ramming and active shooter situation” at the synagogue, FBI Director Kash Patel said in a post on X.
Video of the scene showed a large police presence near the scene and smoke billowing from the building.
Michigan State Police asked community members to stay away from the area to allow for police response.
“Troopers are also increasing patrols at other places of worship in the district,” the state police wrote in a post on X.
The sheriff said it’s “way too early” to talk about a possible motive.
The incident comes amid the U.S. and Israel’s war with Iran, which began on Feb. 28. Security around Jewish communities in places like New York has been heightened since the conflict began. Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said in a statement shared on X that she is tracking reports of the shooting, calling it “heartbreaking.” “This is heartbreaking. Michigan’s Jewish community should be able to live and practice their faith in peace,” Whitmer wrote. “Antisemitism and violence have no place in Michigan. I am hoping for everyone’s safety.” Eric Gutman, a longtime Temple Israel congregant, described the incident as “just horrific.” “All you can do is hope no one is hurt or worse,” he told MS NOW. “It’s really hard for me to speak on this.” This is a developing story. Check back for updates. Didi Martinez contributed reporting.
Erum Salam is a breaking news reporter for MS NOW, with a focus on how global events and foreign policy shape U.S. politics. She previously was a breaking news reporter for The Guardian.
Hayley Meissner is the senior producer for MS NOW’s Breaking News and Blogs team.
Marc Santia is an investigative correspondent for MS NOW. Recommended
