The U.S. Department of Homeland Security confirmed on Thursday (March 12) that the individual responsible for driving a vehicle into a major Reform synagogue in Michigan is a naturalized American citizen originally from Lebanon. Officials identified the suspect as Ayman Mohamad Ghazali, 41.
Authorities described the incident as a targeted act of violence against the Jewish community. The attack occurred at Temple Israel, located in West Bloomfield in Oakland County, on the outskirts of Detroit.
According to law enforcement officials, Ghazali drove a pickup truck into the synagogue building, sparking a fire. Security personnel at the site opened fire after the vehicle crashed through the building’s entrance, Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard told reporters during a press briefing.
No staff members or children inside the synagogue were injured. However, approximately 30 law enforcement officers were hospitalized for smoke inhalation during evacuation and firefighting efforts.
Federal authorities have launched an investigation into the attack. Federal Bureau of Investigation officials confirmed that the case is being treated as a targeted act of violence directed at the Jewish community. Jennifer Runyan, who leads the bureau’s Detroit field office, said the agency is working with local and federal partners to determine the suspect’s motives and any possible connections.
The incident has drawn international attention. In a statement shared on social media, Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the attack, describing it as an act of antisemitism and asserting that the synagogue was targeted because it is a Jewish place of worship.
The attack occurred amid heightened geopolitical tensions involving the United States, Israel, and Iran. Earlier this week, U.S. intelligence agencies reported intercepting encrypted communications believed to have originated in Iran. According to federal alerts circulated to law enforcement agencies, the messages may have served as a potential signal to activate suspected “sleeper assets” operating outside Iran.
Officials have not confirmed any direct connection between the Michigan synagogue attack and those intelligence warnings. Investigators say they are continuing to examine the suspect’s background and any possible affiliations as part of the ongoing inquiry.
