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

(FOX 2) - A Jewish synagogue was attacked after a vehicle drove through the front entrance of Temple Israel in West Bloomfield on Thursday. 

One individual was confirmed dead inside the vehicle, which barged through the front entrance. The Oakland County Sheriff said a security guard shot the man.

There were no children or staff injured during the attack, Mike Bouchard said. One security guard was hospitalized after being struck by the vehicle.

The scene unfolded just after noon.

2:35 p.m. — Oakland County Sheriff says one dead

Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard gave preliminary information outside the building, saying an individual drove a vehicle into the Temple Israel building by breaching the doors.

A security guard shot the driver. One body was found in the vehicle. He said something ignited inside the vehicle, sparking a fire.

One security guard was injured after being struck by the vehicle, which had traveled down the hallway after breaking through the entrance. He is expected to be okay.

There were no children and no staff injured.

2:20 p.m. update - Security guard struck by suspect vehicle

One security guard was injured by the suspect's vehicle after it rammed the organization, a police source told FOX 2. The injury is not life-threatening.

2 p.m. update – No injuries are reported - shooter dead

Authorities are reporting that there are no injuries, and all people have been accounted for.

The Associated Press reported that "security engaged in gunfire" with the suspect and that they were at large. 

The shooter was confirmed dead after being taken down in their vehicle, police sources told FOX 2. 

Active Shooting at Jewish Synagogue

What we know:

A vehicle crashed into the Temple Israel building on 5725 Walnut Lake Road in West Bloomfield Township late Thursday morning, an official with the early childhood learning center. 

All kids and teachers have been evacuated and are accounted for, the official added. 

They added the vehicle caught on fire, which is why there was smoke from the building and firetrucks at the scene. 

Michigan State Police are also aware of the shooting and responded to the scene.

"We are asking for community members to stay away from the area to allow for police response. Troopers are also  increasing patrols at other places of worship in the district," the posted online. 

The Jewish Federation of Detroit ordered all Jewish organizations to go into lockout protocol.

Detroit's FBI field office is also responding. 

What we don't know:

The shooter's motivations are unclear. 

Preliminary information is that the shooter was taken down in their vehicle. It's unclear what the suspect was armed with. Reports came out as an active shooter. 

Local perspective:

Police near the synagogue were spotted with high-powered weapons. 

A surge of vehicles lined the road immediately after the attack. Departments that responded include federal, county, state, and local agencies. 

What they're saying:

Carolyn Krieger, a well-known publicist who is a member of the temple told FOX 2 on air that the temple was a "wonderful place."

"It is the most wonderful place and it is the largest if not the largest reform temple in the United States. It is where my children went and were confirmed it is where I was married by. I know all the rabbis. This is just heartbreaking.

"I don't know anything except for what you are reporting. I know that all buildings are on lockdown probably everywhere, not just Jewish-focused buildings. This is such a tight-knit community. We all care about each other and we are all connected. This is so heartbreaking."

Oakland County Emergency Operation Center activated

"Our team been activated and we’re supporting law enforcement officers in keeping the community safe. We are holding the Jewish Community close and will always reiterate that antisemitism has no place in Oakland County. We appreciate the quick action of the West Bloomfield Police Department, Oakland County Sheriff’s Office and all collaborating partners."

Dearborn Police increasing patrols:

The Dearborn Police Department directed patrols to provide additional support to houses of worship and schools throughout the city as a precautionary safety measure.

"At this time, there is no known threat to the Dearborn community. These proactive steps are being taken to help ensure the safety of our residents and provide reassurance throughout the community. 

"The Dearborn Police Department will continue to closely monitor the situation and remain in communication with regional law enforcement partners."

Counterterrorism Expert on Shooting

Eric O'Neil spoke to FOX 2 about how police are going to immediately address the scene:

I would suggest, and or suspect that it is, you know, and is being treated as a terror, an act of terrorism, especially if the FBI are immediately in involved. It certainly seems to have a lot of the hallmarks. The vehicle rammed into the building provides a point of entry. And then you have an active shooter. I can't tell you. And I'm not sure if the reporting has suggested that shots are still being fired or if the shooter has been neutralized. But the fact that the FBI was on the plea is a good thing. that means that they're giving all the support to local law enforcement that they would require in order to handle this as, as quickly and as safely as possible.

This is a breaking news story. Check back later for more details. 

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