Police respond to active shooter at Michigan synagogue
The gunman was found dead in his vehicle after ramming the building
A gunman has been found dead after ramming Temple Israel synagogue in West Bloomfield Township, Michigan, and opening fire on a security guard. The attack prompted a massive local and federal response.
Local law enforcement and federal agents descended on the synagogue on Thursday, responding to what FBI Director Kash Patel called an “apparent vehicle ramming and active shooter situation.”
The gunman approached a security guard and shots were fired, Oakland County Sheriff Mike Bouchard said, adding that nobody was hurt except the attacker. The suspect plowed through the front doors of the synagogue before “something ignited” inside his vehicle, filling the house of worship with smoke.
He was found dead inside the vehicle, Bouchard said, adding that it was not immediately clear whether he was burned to death or died of a gunshot wound.
HUGE police response to Temple Israel synagogue 'ACTIVE SHOOTER SITUATION'
— RT (@RT_com) March 12, 2026
Local media report 'vehicle CRASHED into building before shots fired' https://t.co/6YM95B2Zev pic.twitter.com/zPGjX3yXcD
“Everything that was supposed to happen, happened,” he said. “Security did their job, and then the responders did theirs.” Bouchard said that investigators are searching the building for potential explosive devices, and that no motive for the attack has been established.
Video footage from the scene shows FBI agents surrounding the synagogue, armed with rifles and wearing body armor. Smoke could be seen billowing from the roof of the building in aerial footage.
Cops rush toward SMOKING Temple Israel synagogue as local in tears over 'HEARTBREAKING' active shooter situation https://t.co/9jCK7s7hel pic.twitter.com/wZP2qbZlcK
— RT (@RT_com) March 12, 2026
The incident took place less than an hour after a gunman opened fire at Old Dominion University in Virginia, seriously injuring two people. The shooter was killed during the attack, although it is unclear whether he took his own life or was shot by police.