Suspect dead in Michigan synagogue attack, authorities say

Key points:

• A man rammed his car into a synagogue in Detroit, Michigan on Thursday at around 12.30pm local time
• Police responded to reports of an "active shooter"
• The local sheriff subsequently confirmed that the suspected attacker is dead
• There are no apparent injuries to staff or children at the adjoining preschool, but authorities say a security guard was injured

The vehicle caught fire, it was reported, after crashing into the Temple Israel synagogue in West Bloomfield Township, Michigan, a source told the Associated Press.

Investigators are still working to identify the man and a possible motive for the attack. The source cautioned that the investigation is still in the early stages.

Sheriff Bouchard has said that the suspect's vehicle was "travelling with purpose down the hall", but it is "hard to say" exactly how the vehicle was moving.

It rammed into the synagogue and drove down a hallway.

As reported by the BBC, the sheriff said that local law enforcement officials have been in constant communication recently with religious institutions and schools in the area.

"There was no specific chatter about any institution or facility in Oakland county but [security teams] were all on alert," the sheriff said.

Temple Israel, which has more than 12,000 members, runs an early-childhood centre that provides childcare and education to children as young as 6 weeks old, according to its website.

Local news media reported that children from the daycare centre, some of whom had escaped to nearby homes, were being ushered away from the synagogue on buses to be reunited with their parents.

Bouchard told reporters the suspect breached the building, driving through the doors with a vehicle, and drove down the hall before being confronted by security. Police could not say what killed the suspect at this point, adding that security did exchange gunfire with him.

No children or staff were injured, and one lead security person was hit by the car and taken to the hospital for treatment, he said.

"That individual should be okay," Bouchard said.

A law enforcement official familiar with the matter later told Reuters the suspect was shot dead at the scene.

CNN, citing multiple law enforcement sources, said a large amount of explosives was found in the back of the suspect's car.

The suspect in a shooting incident at a synagogue in Michigan is dead, Oakland County Sheriff Mike Bouchard has confirmed during a press conference.

Bouchard said that security at the synagogue had engaged in gunfire with at least one person, and that no one was in custody.

Bouchard said that at least one individual had come to the synagogue, and security guards had engaged him in gunfire.

Michigan State Police reported an active shooting incident at about 12:30 pm local time (5:30 GMT) at Temple Israel Synagogue in the Detroit suburb of West Bloomfield.

The sheriff said that they are still trying to figure out if there are other suspects at large.

In the meantime, he advised those in the surrounding mile radius to shelter in place, and for others to avoid visiting the area.

The Michigan State Police have reported ‌an active shooting incident on Thursday at ​the Temple Israel Synagogue in West Bloomfield, Michigan, and law enforcement authorities were ​on the scene.

Video: Fox News

FBI Director Kash Patel ⁠wrote on X: "FBI personnel are ‌on the ‌scene ​with partners in Michigan and responding to ⁠the apparent ​vehicle ramming and active ​shooter situation out of Temple ‌Israel Synagogue in ​West Bloomfield Township, Michigan."

Aerial news ⁠footage from ⁠the ​scene showed plumes of smoke rising from the roof of the synagogue, with several police vehicles nearby.

Fox News reported that police are on scene with assault rifles, heading into the scene.

The Jewish Federation of Detroit posted ‌a message on ⁠its Facebook page saying its affiliated agencies were "currently in precautionary ‌lockdown" in response to the Temple ​Israel incident.

Michigan Republican congresswoman Lisa McClain posted on X that her office is monitoring the situation.

“If you are in the area, please follow any and all instructions from law enforcement. Avoid the area and stay safe. Our prayers are with those on the ground,” the post said.

Additional reporting by PA