Suspect Killed After Attacking Michigan Synagogue

Ayman Mohamad Ghazali, a Lebanese-born American, allegedly rammed vehicle into Temple Israel and exchanged gunfire with security.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 4:20am

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A 41-year-old Lebanese-born American citizen named Ayman Mohamad Ghazali has been identified as the suspect in Thursday's attack on a Jewish synagogue in West Bloomfield, Michigan. Ghazali allegedly rammed his vehicle into Temple Israel, a large Reform Jewish synagogue, before exiting with a rifle and exchanging gunfire with armed security, who ultimately shot and killed him.

Why it matters

The attack on a synagogue is being investigated as a potential hate crime targeting the Jewish community. Authorities are looking into whether the suspect's reported loss of family members in Lebanon during the conflict with Israel was a motivating factor. The incident has raised concerns about security at places of worship and the ongoing threat of domestic extremism.

The details

According to law enforcement sources, Ghazali entered the United States as the spouse of a U.S. citizen around 15 years ago and was granted citizenship in 2016 under the Obama administration. He was reportedly a resident of Dearborn Heights, Michigan, and worked in the city. Multiple first responders were treated at a local hospital for injuries sustained during the incident, including a security guard who was struck by the suspect's vehicle.

  • The attack occurred around 12:30 p.m. local time on Thursday, March 13, 2026.
  • Ghazali reportedly lost several family members in an Israeli attack on their home in Lebanon earlier in March 2026.

The players

Ayman Mohamad Ghazali

A 41-year-old Lebanese-born American citizen who allegedly carried out the attack on the synagogue.

Mo Baydoun

The mayor of Dearborn Heights, Michigan, where Ghazali was a resident.

Temple Israel

A large Reform Jewish synagogue in West Bloomfield, Michigan, that was the target of the attack.

Department of Homeland Security (DHS)

The federal agency that confirmed Ghazali as the suspect in the attack.

Michael Bouchard

The Oakland County Sheriff who provided updates on the incident and the number of first responders affected.

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What they’re saying

“Earlier this month, he lost several members of his own family, including his niece and nephew, in an Israeli attack on their home in Lebanon.”

— Mo Baydoun, Mayor of Dearborn Heights

What’s next

Investigators are continuing to look into the suspect's background and potential motivations for the attack. The community is being urged to remain vigilant, especially as Ramadan observances continue.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing threat of domestic extremism and the need for heightened security measures at places of worship, particularly for religious minority communities. It also raises questions about the vetting process for immigrants and the potential for radicalization among those granted citizenship.