Attacker Crashes Into Michigan Synagogue, Sparking Evacuation

Federal officials say the incident was an attack targeting the Jewish community.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 9:19am

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Investigators are working to determine the exact reason behind an attack at a large synagogue in West Bloomfield, Michigan. A 41-year-old naturalized U.S. citizen born in Lebanon crashed a vehicle into Temple Israel, a major Reform synagogue, and drove down a hallway before the vehicle caught fire. The attacker, Ayman Mohamad Ghazali, was killed by security. No one else was seriously injured, though one security officer was knocked unconscious and dozens of law enforcement officers were treated for smoke inhalation.

Why it matters

The attack on one of the nation's largest Reform synagogues comes amid heightened security concerns for Jewish institutions following recent incidents targeting the community. Synagogues around the world have been on edge and ramping up security since the U.S. and Israel launched a war with Iran in late February.

The details

According to authorities, Ghazali came to the U.S. in 2011 on an immediate relative visa and was granted U.S. citizenship in 2016. In the minutes after the attack, smoke billowed from the synagogue. One security officer was hit by the vehicle and knocked unconscious but did not suffer life-threatening injuries. About 30 law enforcement officers were also treated for smoke inhalation.

  • The attack occurred on Friday, March 13, 2026.

The players

Ayman Mohamad Ghazali

A 41-year-old naturalized U.S. citizen born in Lebanon who carried out the attack on the synagogue.

Temple Israel

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

Mike Bouchard

The Oakland County Sheriff who provided details about the incident.

Cassi Cohen

The director of strategic development at Temple Israel who was in the hallway where the crash happened.

Rabbi Arianna Gordon

A rabbi from Temple Israel who thanked the security team, law enforcement, and teachers for getting the children out safely.

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What they’re saying

“When I heard the crash, I knew it was bad.”

— Cassi Cohen, director of strategic development at Temple Israel (wsvn.com)

“There are no words. I was in complete and utter shock.”

— Allison Jacobs (wsvn.com)

“I'd love to say that I'm shocked, that I'm surprised, but I'm not.”

— Steven Ingber, CEO of the Jewish Federation of Detroit (wsvn.com)

What’s next

The FBI is leading the investigation to determine the exact reason behind the attack.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing security concerns and heightened vigilance required for Jewish institutions in the wake of recent attacks targeting the community. It underscores the need for continued collaboration between law enforcement, security teams, and faith-based organizations to protect vulnerable places of worship.