Ayman Ghazali dies of self-inflicted gunshot after attacking Temple Israel in Michigan

Ayman Ghazali died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound during a violent attack on Temple Israel in West Bloomfield Township, Michigan.

“Man in Michigan synagogue attack lost family members in Israeli airstrike in Lebanon, official says Man in Michigan synagogue attack lost family members in Israeli airstrike in Lebanon, official says WEST BLOOMFIELD, Mich”

Associated Press News

He rammed his truck through the synagogue's doors and engaged in a gunfight with security officers.

Associated Press News

The attack occurred on March 12, 2026, after Ghazali sat in the parking lot for over two hours.

According to FBI Special Agent Jennifer Runyan, Ghazali's vehicle became jammed in a hallway where he fired through his windshield.

He engaged in a gunfight with security guards before ultimately shooting himself in the head.

His engine compartment caught fire, containing commercial-grade fireworks and flammable liquid.

The fire injured 63 law enforcement officers with smoke inhalation.

The attacker was identified as Ayman Mohamad Ghazali, a naturalized U.S. citizen born in Lebanon.

He had recently lost multiple family members in an Israeli airstrike.

BBC

Ghazali was born in January 1985 and entered the U.S. in May 2011 on an IR1 immigrant visa.

He was granted U.S. citizenship in February 2016 under the Obama administration.

According to Lebanese officials and Michigan Mayor Mo Baydoun, Ghazali lost four family members in an Israeli airstrike on their home in Mashghara, Lebanon.

His two brothers, a 7-year-old nephew, and a 4-year-old niece were killed in the March 5 strike.

His parents and sister-in-law were injured and being treated in a hospital.

Lebanese officials confirmed Ghazali's brothers were members of Hezbollah, though their specific roles remained unclear.

The FBI is leading the investigation of the Temple Israel attack as a 'targeted act of violence against the Jewish community.'

“Suspect dead after ramming vehicle into Michigan synagogue A driver who rammed his vehicle into a large synagogue in Michigan on Thursday afternoon is dead, officials say”

BBC

Authorities note that while Ghazali had no criminal history or prior FBI investigations, they are exploring potential connections to terrorism and Hezbollah.

FBI Special Agent Jennifer Runyan stated the agency is in the early stages of investigation, approximately 30 hours after the attack.

Runyan said they are 'letting the facts and evidence lead where we go.'

When asked if Ghazali's family members were Hezbollah members, Runyan said she was 'aware of' that possibility.

She confirmed it 'is part of our own investigation at this time.'

Oakland County Sheriff Mike Bouchard noted the attack occurred amid heightened security concerns following the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran.

Bouchard said they 'have been talking for two weeks about the potential, sadly, for this happening, so there was no lack of preparation.'

The attack occurred amid rising antisemitic incidents in the U.S. and heightened security concerns for Jewish institutions nationwide.

Temple Israel, one of the nation's largest Reform synagogues with over 12,000 members, had recently enhanced security measures.

Bridge Michigan

The synagogue had hired a former local police lieutenant as head of security and undergone active shooter training with the FBI in January.

Despite the violent attack, no children, staff, or congregants were injured.

Teachers successfully evacuated students to a nearby country club.

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer called the incident 'heartbreaking,' stating the Jewish community should 'live and practice their faith in peace.'

President Trump condemned the attack as 'terrible' and sent 'love to the Michigan Jewish community.'

The incident occurred on the same day as a shooting at Old Dominion University being investigated as terrorism.