Synagogue Shooting in West Bloomfield: Suspect Identified as Naturalized Citizen

WEST BLOOMFIELD, Mich. (AP) — Ayman Mohamad Ghazali, a 41-year-old naturalized citizen born in Lebanon, has been identified as the gunman who rammed his vehicle into Temple Israel in West Bloomfield Township, Michigan, and opened fire before being fatally shot by security personnel, according to federal officials . The incident occurred on Thursday, March 12, 2026.

Details of the Attack

Ghazali drove a truck into the synagogue, continuing down a hallway inside the facility, before being confronted by a member of the synagogue’s security team . Shots were fired during the confrontation, and the vehicle subsequently caught fire. Ghazali was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Oakland County Sheriff’s Office reported that the lead member of the synagogue’s security team was struck by the vehicle and transported to the hospital with injuries, but they were not life-threatening . No congregants, staff members, or the approximately 140 children at the synagogue’s early childhood center were injured.

Approximately 30 law enforcement officers were treated for smoke inhalation following the incident .

Suspect’s Background

According to the Department of Homeland Security, Ghazali came to the U.S. In 2011 on an IR1 immigrant visa as the spouse of a U.S. Citizen and was granted U.S. Citizenship in 2016 . He resided in Dearborn, Michigan .

Authorities have not yet determined a motive for the attack, and the FBI is leading the investigation . The agency is treating the crime as a “targeted act of violence against the Jewish community” .

Increased Security and Community Response

Synagogues around the world have increased security measures since the start of the conflict involving Iran, with the FBI warning of potential drone attacks in California .

Steven Ingber, CEO of the Jewish Federation of Detroit, acknowledged the organization’s prior training and preparation for such an attack, stating, “This will not change us. This will not deter us and we will continue.”

Rabbi Arianna Gordon of Temple Israel thanked the security team, law enforcement, and early childhood teachers for ensuring the safety of the children and facilitating their reunion with their parents .

Family Tragedy

Ayman Ghazali’s family was recently killed in an air strike . Ghazali was a 41-year-old restaurant worker in Dearborn Heights .