Suspect dead after apparent attack at Temple Israel

WEST BLOOMFIELD — The township of West Bloomfield is reeling in shock after a vehicle was apparently used to attack a synagogue, leading to an exchange of gunfire that ended with the suspect’s death.

The incident occurred shortly after noon on March 12 at Temple Israel, 5725 Walnut Lake Road in West Bloomfield.

At a press conference later that evening at the Jewish Community Center in West Bloomfield, West Bloomfield Police Chief Dale Young described the series of events.

“There was a 911 call that came in at 12:19 p.m. this afternoon when the individual drove his vehicle into the building,” Young said. “Temple security officers engaged the individual and neutralized the threat. Our officers, along with area agencies, cleared the building multiple times and successfully evacuated all children and staff.”

Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard said that while no children were hurt at the temple, which is home to a school, there were around 30 law enforcement officers who were taken to the hospital due to smoke inhalation caused by the fire. He said the area of impact was engulfed by the blaze.

He said that his department has continually prepared for the worst case scenario of an attack, aware that hate crimes elsewhere in the world could find their way home.

“Not just in West Bloomfield, but communities with significant numbers of houses of worship — we work together all the time,” Bouchard said. “We train. In our world, preparation is important. We hope and pray it never happens. All of us have been training together for many years for shooters and mass casualties.” 

Arianna Gordon, a rabbi who oversees Temple Israel’s school, referred to her staff and security team as “rock stars,” adding, “They made sure the students stayed safe and calm throughout the day.”

Following the news conference, many details remained under investigation, such as the identity of the suspect and the extensive nature of the fire. 

Bouchard said the incident illustrates the bonds of community.

“This community works together; this community takes care of each other,” he said.

The sheriff said people shouldn’t hesitate to report any behavior they feel is off.

“Don’t be afraid to call,” Bouchard said. “We would rather have 100 nothings than one real deal.”

Earlier in the day, a bulletin from East Middle School, in the Farmington Public Schools district, which borders the township, stated that around 2:25 p.m., a shelter-in-place order from law enforcement had been lifted.

In another bulletin, Ben Mainka, superintendent of the Novi Community School District, said that the suspect had driven a truck into the synagogue and its preschool facility.

“The suspect was neutralized quickly by the security team before any additional fatalities occurred,” Mainka stated. “While it has been confirmed that no casualties other than the suspect occurred, there is no doubt that these situations send shockwaves through our local communities and across the country. We should never accept or normalize violence targeted at children in any circumstance.”

The Zekelman Holocaust Center also issued a statement about the incident.

“We are heartbroken by the attack on Temple Israel and on our community. We pray for everyone’s safety, the recovery of the heroic security guard, and are thinking of the children, congregation, staff and first responders,” the statement read.

“Though we do not know the motivation of the attacker, we call on all people — regardless of faith, background or political belief — to join us in rejecting antisemitism and hatred in all its forms,” the statement continued. “Now is the time for unity, for solidarity and for courageous leadership.”

Michigan state Sen. Rosemary Bayer, D-West Bloomfield, urged the community to stay strong.

“My heart goes out to everyone impacted by this traumatic event, particularly to our Jewish community, who have had their sense of safety shattered here in our state and across the nation," Bayer said in a statement. "I am in discussions with our dedicated first responders and local leaders to figure out next steps and how we can best provide support to all those affected. Please stay safe and continue to lean on each other in the days ahead, because that’s who we are — a community that looks out for one another and stands together, no matter our differences across race or religion.” 

David Woodward, the chair of the Oakland County Board of Commissioners, issued a statement following the incident.

“There is no place for this type of violence in the United States, including here in Oakland County. We are fortunate to have so many law enforcement agencies rush to the scene to protect our children and area residents,” Woodward said. “The horror of this attack touches all of us, and we stand with those impacted by these atrocities.”

In a statement, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel expressed her condolences.

“My heart is with the congregation and community of Temple Israel as law enforcement responds to reports of an active shooter,” Nessel said. “We are closely monitoring the situation and urge residents to follow the requests of local law enforcement as they work to secure the area and protect lives.

“Antisemitism has no place in Michigan and cannot be tolerated,” Nessel said. “In moments like these, it’s more important than ever that we come together, stand with our neighbors, confront hate wherever it appears, and build stronger communities.”

Nessel added that tips about possible hate crime activities and suspicious behavior can be reported to Michigan State Police at mi.gov/StopaPlot.

Call Staff Writer Andy Kozlowski at (586) 498-1046. 

Call Staff Writer Gena Johnson at (586) 498-1069.