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Suspect dead after ramming truck into Detroit-area synagogue according to Sheriff

WXYZ

UPDATE: 12:41 PM - No one inside the West Bloomfield synagogue was hurt, according to Sheriff Michael Bouchard of Oakland County, Michigan.

A security guard was injured and knocked unconscious after he was hit by the suspect's truck, said the sheriff. He is expected by be ok.

The suspect is believed to have had a rifle and died after a shootout with security, according to federal law enforcement leaders.

Sheriff Bouchard said all the children are accounted and safe.

ByEmily ShapiroAaron Katersky, and Josh Margolin

March 12, 2026, 12:14 PM

A suspect is dead after a shooting and vehicle ramming incident at a synagogue in West Bloomfield, Michigan, law enforcement sources told ABC News.

The suspect, who is believed to have had a rifle, died after a shootout with security, according to a senior federal law enforcement official briefed on the investigation.

No injuries have been confirmed, Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard said.

Law enforcement agencies respond to Temple Israel in West Bloomfield, Michigan, March 12, 2026.WXYZ
Law enforcement agencies respond to Temple Israel in West Bloomfield, Michigan, March 12, 2026.WXYZ

Preliminary information is that this was an intentional vehicle ramming, sources briefed on the investigation told ABC News.

According to the sources, the driver was seen steering around security bollards, and caused a fire when colliding the car into the building's front doors.

The suspect was then engaged by synagogue security, the sheriff said.

Law enforcement agencies respond to Temple Israel in West Bloomfield, Michigan, March 12, 2026.WXYZ
Law enforcement agencies respond to Temple Israel in West Bloomfield, Michigan, March 12, 2026.WXYZ

The Michigan State Police said it's urging residents to stay away from the area and said police are increasing patrols at other places of worship in the area.

The Jewish Federation of Detroit said in a statement, "We are aware of an active security incident at Temple Israel. Law enforcement are responding. Our Jewish agencies are currently in precautionary lockdown."

Law enforcement agencies respond to Temple Israel in West Bloomfield, Michigan, March 12, 2026.WXYZ

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said in a statement, “This is heartbreaking. Michigan’s Jewish community should be able to live and practice their faith in peace.”

“I am hoping for everyone’s safety,” she added.

In New York City, the NYPD said it's continuing to deploy officers to synagogues and other Jewish institutions "out of an abundance of caution."

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