Detroit-Area Synagogue Attack Investigated as Targeted Act of Violence

Federal authorities are investigating an attack on Temple Israel, a synagogue in West Bloomfield Township, Michigan, as a targeted act of violence against the Jewish community. The incident occurred on Thursday, March 12, 2026, and resulted in the death of the perpetrator, Ayman Mohamad Ghazali, a 41-year-old naturalized U.S. Citizen born in Lebanon.

Details of the Attack

According to law enforcement officials, Ghazali drove a vehicle into the synagogue, hitting a security guard and causing a fire within the building. Security personnel responded with gunfire, fatally shooting Ghazali. No staff, teachers, or the 140 children present at the synagogue’s early childhood center were injured. FBI investigating Detroit-area synagogue attack

One security guard was knocked unconscious by the vehicle and is expected to recover. Thirty law enforcement officers were treated for smoke inhalation. Truck ramming at synagogue being investigated

Perpetrator Background

Ayman Mohamad Ghazali came to the U.S. In 2011 on an immediate relative visa as the spouse of a U.S. Citizen and was granted U.S. Citizenship in 2016. FBI investigating Detroit-area synagogue attack He is from Dearborn Heights, Michigan. Michigan synagogue attack being investigated by FBI

Investigation and Response

The FBI Detroit field office is leading the investigation, with Jennifer Runyan, the special agent in charge, stating the crime is a “targeted act of violence against the Jewish community.” FBI investigating Detroit-area synagogue attack Investigators have not yet determined a motive. FBI investigating Detroit-area synagogue attack

Following the incident, police increased the presence of security forces in front of Jewish institutions in other areas of the United States. FBI investigating Detroit-area synagogue attack

Related Incident in Virginia

On the same day, a separate fatal shooting occurred at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia. The FBI is investigating this incident as a potential act of terrorism. The shooter, who had a previous connection to the Islamic State (IS) and was released from prison in 2024 after being convicted of attempting to provide material support to the terrorist group, shouted “Allahu Akbar” during the attack. FBI investigating Detroit-area synagogue attack