FBI: Michigan Synagogue Attacker Inspired by Hezbollah Ideology

Authorities say the 41-year-old man searched for the 'largest gathering of Israelis' before the attack.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 8:42pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a bullet casing or other small piece of physical evidence from the crime scene, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conveying the stark, investigative nature of the incident.A stark, gritty close-up of evidence from the synagogue attack exposes the violent reality behind the Hezbollah-inspired ideology.Dearborn Heights Today

The FBI announced that the man who plowed his pickup truck into a Michigan synagogue earlier this month was 'Hezbollah-inspired' and spent hours watching content made by the Iran-backed Islamic terrorist organization. Authorities say the 41-year-old attacker, Ayman Ghazali, was aiming to cause as much harm to local Jews as possible and had searched online for the 'largest gathering of Israelis in Michigan' before the attempted attack.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the ongoing threat of domestic terrorism and the need for vigilance against extremist ideologies, particularly those inspired by foreign terrorist organizations like Hezbollah. It also raises concerns about the accessibility of firearms and the potential for lone-wolf attacks targeting religious or ethnic minority communities.

The details

According to the FBI, Ghazali sent his sister videos and messages expressing his 'intent to commit a mass terrorist attack' and affirming he was inspired by Hezbollah. He also attempted to purchase a gun from two stores in the days leading up to the attack, before ultimately obtaining a rifle and 300 rounds of ammunition from a gun store in Dearborn Heights. Ghazali was shot and killed when he exchanged gunfire with the temple's security guard after driving his truck into the building.

  • On March 12, Ghazali attempted the attack on Temple Israel in West Bloomfield, Michigan.
  • In the days leading up to the attack, Ghazali attempted to purchase a gun from two stores.

The players

Ayman Ghazali

A 41-year-old man who was shot and killed after plowing his pickup truck into a Michigan synagogue in an attack inspired by Hezbollah's militant ideology.

Jennifer Runyan

The FBI Detroit special agent in charge who shared details on the attack and Ghazali's Hezbollah connections.

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What they’re saying

“We do not make this characterization lightly, without a thorough review and keen evaluation of the facts. In this case, the evidence shows the attacker was motivated by and inspired by Hezbollah's militant ideology.”

— Jennifer Runyan, FBI Detroit Special Agent in Charge

“These communications included statements expressing a commitment to commit violent action, references to martyrdom, as well as threats to attack what he described as the 'largest gathering of Israelis in Michigan'.”

— Jennifer Runyan, FBI Detroit Special Agent in Charge

What’s next

Authorities will continue to investigate the attack and any potential connections to international terrorist organizations. The synagogue and local community are working to enhance security measures in the wake of the incident.

The takeaway

This attack underscores the ongoing threat of domestic terrorism inspired by foreign extremist ideologies. It highlights the need for robust counterterrorism efforts, improved gun control measures, and stronger community engagement to identify and address radicalization before it leads to violence.