Shooting at Michigan's Temple Israel synagogue leaves gunman dead, kids safe

WEST BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP, Mich. — A gunman rammed his truck into a West Bloomfield Township synagogue Thursday afternoon and then opened fire on the temple, exchanging gunfire with security guards before he was killed.

The shooting happened before 1 p.m. at Temple Israel at 5725 Walnut Lake Road, west of Orchard Lake Road and east of Drake. The gunman rammed his truck through the synagogue's front doors and then engaged with security guards, said Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard. It appeared no one else was injured.

Members of the synagogue, some of whom rushed to the scene to check on their children who attend Temple Israel's school, were told via text before 1:30 p.m.: "Lockdown is still in place, but the active shooter has been taken down. Lockdown will be in place until they know that the shooter was working alone. All kids and all staff accounted for and fine. Truck rammed into front door and opened fire."

The shooter is dead, a source who had been briefed on the investigation told The Detroit News.

No other injuries had been confirmed as of 1:40 p.m., according to Bouchard.

"Nobody at the moment has been confirmed to be hurt, except potentially the shooter," Bouchard said. "...It's active, and it's busy, and we're still trying to figure it out."

The incident in West Bloomfield comes amid a wave of violence targeting synagogues in North America. In Toronto alone, three synagogues have been hit by gunfire this month, according to authorities there.

Shortly after 3 p.m., several groups of parents, some escorted by law enforcement, left Temple Israel with their children. Some held their kids' hands. Others were emotional. Many declined to talk to media.

The incident prompted all nearby school districts, along with houses of worship, to shelter in place while police responded. Officials urged the public to stay away from the area and said more information would be released as it became available.

"The Michigan State Police is aware of an active shooting incident that is ongoing in West Bloomfield," said the state police in a statement. "We are asking for community members to stay away from the area to allow for police response. Troopers are also increasing patrols at other places of worship in the district."

Authorities, meanwhile, scoured the area for an additional suspect around 2 p.m. It was unclear if there was one. Dozens of police cruisers lined Walnut Lake Road as Oakland County SWAT vehicles moved through the mass, along with an armored vehicle.

Beth Swis, a Sylvan Lake resident, said she had heard one person was shot and that there was a potential second shooter.

“I came to the scene to pray for people," Swis said. “I saw a woman running with a kid (toward where the attack was). She had an expression, like the expression you saw from people on 9/11.”

Active shooter prompts massive emergency response

Dozens of police and emergency vehicles from across Oakland County rushed to the scene early Thursday afternoon: state police and West Bloomfield, Farmington Hills, Clawson, Auburn Hills, Birmingham, Pleasant Ridge police.

Outside the synagogue, more than a dozen people stood near Walnut Lake Road, waiting for information. Helicopters swarmed above.

The shooting at Temple Israel also prompted other Jewish agencies to go into lockdown. By 2:45 p.m., the lockdown had been lifted, according to the Jewish Federation of Detroit.

"We have received word that while there is still a large security presence at Temple Israel, all other Jewish organizations are no longer required to be in lockdown or lockout protocol," read a statement from the federation. "There will continue to be a strong police and security presence throughout the community."

Whitmer, Nessel issue statements on Temple Israel active shooter

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer called the incident and shooting "heartbreaking."

"Michigan's Jewish community should be able to live and practice their faith in peace," she said in a statement. "Antisemitism and violence have no place in Michigan. I am hoping for everyone's safety. Thank you to law enforcement for their swift action."

Attorney General Dana Nessel said antisemitism "has no place in Michigan and cannot be tolerated."

"In moments like these, it’s more important than ever that we come together, stand with our neighbors, confront hate whenever it appears, and build stronger communities," she said.

FBI on scene at Temple Israel

Federal authorities also responded to the scene. Nearly two dozen FBI agents were on the Temple Israel campus, along with Drug Enforcement Administration agents.

FBI Director Kash Patel said on X that 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." ATF agents were also at the scene, Attorney General Pam Bondi said on X.

The FBI noted on X that it had an Active Shooter Attack Prevention and Preparedness training session for clergy and staff at Temple Israel. The course incorporated lessons learned from years of research and uses scenario-based exercises to help participants practice decision-making under pressure using the “Run, Hide, Fight” principles, which are designed to guide people toward actions that can improve their chances of survival during an active-shooter incident.

Officials said the training is part of the bureau’s broader effort to partner with organizations across Michigan to strengthen safety planning and preparedness, helping communities better prepare for potential threats and respond effectively in emergencies.

What is Temple Israel?

Temple Israel is one of several synagogues across West Bloomfield. It makes up 1% of all Reform Jews in North America, according to its website.

Its current campus was built in 1980 and expanded in 1989. It includes an early childhood center and a religious school for kids in preschool through 12th grade.

Around 1:45 p.m., parents of some children who attend Temple Israel gathered at nearby Shenandoah Country Club, also located on Walnut Lake Road, waiting to be reunited with their children.

Michigan has endured attacks at religious institutions

At least two other religious institutions have been attacked in Michigan in less than a year. In September last year, a man drove his truck into a Church of Latter Day Saints in Grand Blanc Township and also set the building on fire, killing four and injuring multiple others.

And in June last year, a gunman approached CrossPointe Community Church in Wayne with multiple guns and attempted to enter before he was fatally shot by a member of the church's security team.

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Staff Writer Sarah Atwood contributed to this story.

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