Shooter dead in Jewish synagogue attack in West Bloomfield: ‘No kids or staff injured’

A violent incident unfolded Thursday at a Jewish synagogue in West Bloomfield when a man drove a vehicle into the Temple Israel building. Authorities say the suspect was shot and killed by a security guard after the vehicle crashed into the entrance.

According to officials, the suspect’s vehicle broke through the synagogue’s front doors and continued roughly 40 feet inside the building before stopping. Shortly after the crash, smoke was seen rising from the roof as a fire started from inside the vehicle.

Oakland County Sheriff Mike Bouchard said the driver was shot by a security guard during the confrontation. The suspect was later found dead inside the vehicle. Investigators believe something inside the vehicle ignited, which caused the fire.

One security guard was injured after being struck by the vehicle when it entered the building. Authorities said the injury was not life-threatening and the guard is expected to recover. No synagogue staff members or children were injured.

Police first received calls about the situation around noon.

Temple Israel later confirmed that all 140 students at its Susan and Harold Loss Early Childhood Center were safe following the incident. In a statement, the synagogue said staff and teachers followed their safety training to keep the children calm and protected during the situation.

The synagogue praised its staff, teachers, and security personnel for their actions, saying the security team confronted and stopped the attacker. The organization also expressed gratitude to local law enforcement and to Shenendoah Country Club for helping shelter and assist families, staff, and children after the incident.

During the investigation, police sources said a chemical agent was discovered inside the suspect’s truck, raising concerns that the vehicle may have contained materials connected to a possible explosive device. Officials have not yet identified the specific substance.

As authorities secured the scene and determined the threat had ended, lockdown measures in the surrounding area were lifted. This included West Bloomfield High School, where students were eventually released from the building. Police also ended a shelter-in-place order in the community, and the Jewish Federation of Detroit notified organizations across Southeast Michigan that they no longer needed to remain in lockdown.

Officials continue to investigate the incident.

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