Synagogue Shooting in West Bloomfield Leaves Gunman Dead, Community Safe

West Bloomfield, MI – A gunman is dead after ramming a vehicle into Temple Israel in West Bloomfield Township, Michigan, and exchanging gunfire with security guards on Thursday afternoon, March 12, 2026. No students or staff were injured, though a security guard was hospitalized, authorities said.

Timeline of Events

The incident began shortly before 1 p.m. At Temple Israel, located at 5725 Walnut Lake Road. The suspect drove a vehicle through the synagogue’s front doors and down a hallway before engaging with security personnel. Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard confirmed that the suspect was killed in the exchange of gunfire.

FBI Investigation and Suspect Identification

The FBI has confirmed the suspect died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. Initially, police believed he was killed by synagogue security. The Department of Homeland Security identified the suspect as Ayman Mohamad Ghazali, a Lebanese-born U.S. Citizen. The FBI searched his home in Dearborn Heights overnight, according to CBS News Detroit’s Terell Bailey. Law enforcement sources indicated the suspect’s body was badly burned, complicating identification efforts.

Targeted Act of Violence

The FBI is investigating the attack as a “targeted act of violence against the Jewish community.”

Injuries and Response

A security guard was injured after being struck by the vehicle and “knocked unconscious.” The guard was transported to a local hospital and is expected to recover. Eight first responders were treated at Henry Ford West Bloomfield and Henry Ford Providence Novi hospitals. Multiple agencies, including West Bloomfield police, the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office, and Michigan State Police, responded to the scene.

Community Safety and Increased Patrols

Temple Israel confirmed that all 140 students and staff were safe. Authorities initially placed the synagogue on lockdown, which was lifted once it was determined the suspect acted alone. The Jewish Community Center served as a reunification point for parents and children. Multiple police departments across Southeast Michigan increased patrols in their communities as a precautionary measure.

Official Statements

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer issued a statement saying, “Michigan’s Jewish community should be able to live and practice their faith in peace. Antisemitism and violence have no place in Michigan. I am hoping for everyone’s safety.”

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel stated, “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.”

Dawud Walid, executive director of the Michigan chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, condemned the attack, stating, “There is no justification for anyone to direct violence toward any house or worship or religious institution.”

Former President Donald Trump also addressed the attack, stating, “I want to send our love to the Michigan Jewish community and all of the people in Detroit…following the attack on the Jewish synagogue earlier today. And I’ve been briefed, fully briefed, and it’s a terrible thing. But it goes on. We’re going to be right down to the bottom of it.”

Explosives Investigation

Authorities discovered what appeared to be mortar-type explosives inside the suspect’s vehicle and were clearing it as a precaution. Something inside the vehicle ignited during the incident.

Previous Security Training

The FBI Detroit field office conducted an active shooter attack prevention and awareness training session at Temple Israel in January 2026.