FBI to probe vehicle attack on Michigan synagogue as 'targeted violence against Jewish community'

The attack comes amid heightened security across the United States following the launch nearly two weeks ago of the US-Israeli war on Iran, a conflict that has since broadened to the Middle East.

• A man rammed a truck into Temple Israel synagogue near Detroit
• Guards fatally subdued attacker inside building
• No children or staff injured; one guard and police hospitalized

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A vehicle attack on a synagogue near Detroit is being investigated by federal authorities as a targeted act of violence against the Jewish community, officials said Thursday, after a man rammed a pickup truck into the building before being fatally confronted by security guards.

The incident unfolded at Temple Israel in West Bloomfield, a suburb in Oakland County, where the attacker drove through the synagogue’s entrance and into a hallway inside the building, according to local law enforcement.

"We can't say what killed him at this point, but security did engage the suspect with gunfire," Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard told reporters during a briefing.

The assailant died at the scene after the confrontation. Authorities have not yet publicly confirmed the cause of death.

Jennifer Runyan, the special agent in charge of the FBI’s Detroit field office, said the federal agency would take the lead in examining the case.

"we are leading the investigation as a targeted act of violence against the Jewish community," Runyan told reporters.

No children or synagogue staff were injured during the incident, officials said, although the attack sparked a fire and forced a large emergency response. About 30 law enforcement personnel were taken to hospital suffering from smoke inhalation while assisting with evacuation efforts.

One security guard was also hurt after being struck by the suspect’s vehicle and is receiving treatment at a hospital.

Authorities said the suspect appeared to be the only person involved. Police dogs were deployed to inspect the vehicle amid concerns it might contain explosives.

"It's been complicated because there's some fire," Bouchard said. "We're through an abundance of caution, clearing the vehicle for IEDs or any explosives."

Images from the scene showed smoke rising from the synagogue, which is one of the largest Reform Judaism congregations in the United States.

Officials said law enforcement units had already heightened security measures around Jewish institutions following the start of the US-Israeli war with Iran nearly two weeks ago.

"We've been talking for two weeks about the potential, sadly, of this happening," Bouchard said. "So there was no lack of preparation."

The attack also drew reaction from political leaders.

President Donald Trump described the incident as a "terrible thing," saying at the White House: "It's absolutely incredible that things like that happen."

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer condemned the assault, calling it a "heartbreaking" event and stressing that Jewish residents must be able to practice their faith safely.

"Michigan's Jewish community should be able to live and practice their faith in peace," Whitmer said. "Antisemitism and violence have no place in Michigan."

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar also expressed alarm following the incident.

"We are in contact with the Jewish community and local authorities," Saar said on X. "Antisemitism must never be allowed to rear its ugly head."

US media reported that the suspect was believed to be of Lebanese descent, though authorities have not yet confirmed a motive for the attack.

The synagogue incident occurred on the same day as a separate shooting at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia, which FBI Director Kash Patel said was under investigation as "an act of terrorism."