FBI Calls Michigan Synagogue Attack 'Targeted Act Of Violence' Against Jewish Community

Last Updated:March 13, 2026, 06:33 IST

The FBI, which said it is investigating the incident, termed the attack as a "targeted act of violence against the Jewish community".

An attacker armed with a rifle rammed his vehicle into one of Michigan’s largest reform synagogues on Thursday, driving through a hallway as security opened fire, fatally shooting him. The incident took place at the Temple Israel Synagogue in the Detroit suburb of West Bloomfield, Michigan.

The FBI, which said it is investigating the incident, termed the attack as a “targeted act of violence against the Jewish community".

The suspect, who is believed to have had a rifle, died after a shootout with security at the Temple Israel synagogue in West Bloomfield, Michigan, according to a senior federal law enforcement official.

Jennifer Runyan, the special agent in charge of the FBI’s Detroit field office, on Thursday called the incident “deeply disturbing and tragic".

Notably, none of the synagogue’s staff, teachers or the 140 children at its early childhood centre were injured, Oakland County Sheriff Mike Bouchard said.

The attacker drove through a set of doors and into the hallway where something in the vehicle ignited, Bouchard said. “He was travelling with purpose down the hall, from my look at the video," Bouchard said.

Investigation Underway

The authorities are investigating the matter and are still working to identify the suspect and a possible motive behind the attack.

In the minutes after the attack, smoke billowed from the synagogue. One security officer was hit by the vehicle and knocked unconscious but did not suffer life-threatening injuries, the sheriff said. Some 30 law enforcement officers were treated for smoke inhalation.

According to the reports, the synagogue has multiple security officers, and at least one fired at the suspect, who was found dead inside his vehicle.

“We can’t say what killed him at this point but security did engage the suspect with gunfire," the sheriff said, adding that it was possible the attacker killed himself or died some other way.

In recent times, synagogues around the world have been on edge and have been ramping up security since the US and Israel launched a war with Iran with missile strikes on February 28.

The FBI has warned that Iranian operatives may be planning drone attacks on targets in California.

(With agency inputs)

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