A synagogue gunman was called to confront police in West Bloomfield. The first information indicates that a car deliberately crashed into the Temple Israel synagogue, one of the largest of them, which also houses a school.
Immediately after, shots were heard while the vehicle caught fire, with the authorities talking about deliberate action.
The incident took place just before 1 p.m. on Thursday at Temple Israel in West Bloomfield, located about 25 miles northwest of Detroit, according to the Detroit Free Press.
Shortly after 20:00 (Greece time), CNN reported that the attacker is dead. It is not clear if he had accomplices.
CNN, citing police sources, reported that explosives were found in the attacker’s car and pyrotechnicians were called.
🇺🇸 Reports of an active shooter at Temple Israel in West Bloomfield, Michigan. A car also drove into the building and caught fire.
— The Daily News (@DailyNewsJustIn)
The Jewish Federation of Detroit urged Jewish institutions to lock down their facilities so no one could enter or leave the buildings.
According to reports, the gunman approached the guards and then an exchange of gunfire took place.
However, the sheriff confirmed that everyone at the nearby school and daycare was safely evacuated.
URGENT, USA: “Active shooter at Temple Israel synagogue in West Bloomfield, Michigan.”
Large police presence.
— Dani Erer (@danilerer)
“An incident is ongoing,” a police spokesman told Newsweek. “A car crashed into the synagogue building and shots were fired. There are currently no reports of injuries or fatalities.”
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 in West Bloomfield Township, Michigan.
— FBI Director Kash Patel (@FBIDirectorKash)
