Driver Killed After Ramming Jewish Synagogue in Michigan

A man was killed Thursday after crashing a truck into a Jewish synagogue in the U.S. state of Michigan, sparking a fire and triggering a large-scale security response, authorities said.

The incident occurred at Temple Israel synagogue in West Bloomfield, near Detroit, according to local law enforcement officials.

Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard told reporters that synagogue security guards opened fire on the attacker after he forced his way through the building’s entrance with a truck. Authorities confirmed that no staff members or children inside the synagogue were injured during the incident.

However, approximately 30 emergency personnel were transported to hospitals after suffering smoke inhalation while carrying out evacuation and firefighting operations.

Bouchard explained during a press conference that the suspect drove the vehicle into the synagogue before continuing through an internal passageway, where he confronted security personnel. “We cannot yet determine the exact cause of the suspect’s death,” he said, adding that an exchange of gunfire occurred between security guards and the attacker.

Officials indicated that the suspect appeared to be alone in the vehicle. Police dogs were deployed to search the truck for explosives as a precautionary measure amid concerns raised by the fire and structural damage.

“One of our primary challenges was the fire itself,” Bouchard noted. “We exercised extreme caution and thoroughly searched the vehicle for any explosive devices.”

A security guard was injured after being struck by the attacker’s vehicle and is currently receiving medical treatment, authorities confirmed.

Jennifer Runyon, the special agent in charge of the FBI’s Detroit Field Office, said federal investigators would examine the case as “a violent act targeting the Jewish community.”

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer condemned the attack, stating that the Jewish community “must be able to live and practice their faith in peace,” adding that antisemitism and violence have no place in the state.

U.S. President Donald Trump described the incident as “horrific,” saying such acts were “completely unacceptable.” Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar also expressed shock over the attack, noting that Israeli officials were in contact with local authorities and Jewish community leaders.

U.S. media outlets reported that the attacker is believed to have been of Lebanese origin, though authorities have not yet confirmed a motive. The incident comes amid heightened security measures across the United States following escalating regional tensions linked to the ongoing U.S.–Israeli conflict with Iran.