Ayman Mohamad Ghazali Rams Vehicle Into Temple Israel; Security Officers Fatally Shoot Him

A vehicle was driven into Temple Israel, a large Reform synagogue in West Bloomfield Township near Detroit, setting the building alight, and the driver was later found dead after security engaged him.

Authorities said the vehicle "became engulfed in flames" after the ramming, and investigators reported that security personnel "opened fire at the suspect, who was later found dead in the vehicle."

20 minutos

The Associated Press identified the attacker as Ayman Mohamad Ghazali and said he "was fatally shot by security officers after driving through a hallway at Temple Israel ... in a vehicle that then caught fire."

Temple Israel’s staff and the children in its attached daycare were evacuated safely, while at least one security officer was injured and dozens of responding officers were treated for smoke inhalation.

The synagogue said all of its "140 students, staff, teachers and security personnel were safe and accounted for," even as Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard said a security guard "was hit by the vehicle but is expected to recover" and the BBC reported that "30 law enforcement officers were hospitalised for smoke inhalation."

6abc Philadelphia

The FBI said it is treating the incident as a "targeted act of violence against the Jewish community."

Federal and local officials identified the attacker as 41-year-old Ayman Mohamad Ghazali, a naturalized U.S. citizen born in Lebanon who arrived in the United States in 2011 and obtained citizenship in 2016.

The Department of Homeland Security said the suspect "was born in Lebanon and became a US citizen in 2016," and AP reporting noted he "has been identified as a 41-year-old naturalized citizen born in Lebanon, according to federal officials."

Additional accounts reported Ghazali came to the U.S. on a visa as the spouse of a U.S. citizen in 2011 and later worked in the Detroit area.

Investigators reported finding explosives connected to the attack and have questioned the suspect’s recent movements and purchases.

Authorities said responders "found what appeared to be a large amount of explosives in the vehicle," and NBC News reported that two days earlier the man "walked out of a fireworks store with over $2,000 worth of explosives."

Anadolu Agency

Forensic reports also indicated "forensic work uncovered explosives in the rear of the attacker’s vehicle," and federal agencies including the FBI and ATF were on scene to assist the investigation.

Local leaders, Jewish organizations and elected officials condemned the attack and praised the synagogue’s security, while some reports linked the suspect’s actions to recent family losses in Lebanon.

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer said "It was antisemitism. It was hate. Plain and simple," and Temple Israel praised its security, calling them "truly heroes" and noting teachers "followed their training."

Associated Press News

Media and local reporting connected Ghazali to relatives killed in an Israeli strike in Lebanon, with outlets reporting that several members of his family were killed in a March strike in Mashghara, Lebanon, though officials said motive was still under investigation.