Suspect in Michigan synagogue attack bought $2,000 in fireworks before ramming

Ayman Mohamad Ghazali, 41, allegedly rammed a car into a synagogue in West Bloomfield Township, Michigan, where a preschool was in session.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 7:40pm

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Two days before the attack, Ayman Mohamad Ghazali, 41, allegedly purchased over $2,000 worth of fireworks from a Phantom Fireworks store in the Detroit area. Ghazali, a U.S. citizen originally from Lebanon, is accused of ramming a car into the Temple Israel synagogue on Thursday, setting off a fire in the building where a preschool attended by over 100 children was in session. No children or staff were injured. Investigators are looking into Ghazali's possible past ties to suspected members of Hezbollah in Lebanon.

Why it matters

The attack on the synagogue is being investigated as a 'targeted act of violence against the Jewish community' by the FBI. The purchase of a large quantity of fireworks prior to the incident has raised concerns about the suspect's potential plans. Authorities are also examining Ghazali's possible connections to Hezbollah, a designated terrorist organization, which could provide insight into the motive for the attack.

The details

Surveillance footage from the Phantom Fireworks store shows Ghazali spending about 45 minutes in the store on March 10, purchasing around 30 different types of fireworks, including a 'finale rack' product that should be used with people roughly 100 yards away. Investigators found multiple gas canisters and consumer mortar tubes that would be used to launch fireworks in the vehicle after the fire was extinguished. It's unclear if the fireworks purchased were used in the attack.

  • On March 10, Ghazali allegedly purchased over $2,000 worth of fireworks from a Phantom Fireworks store in the Detroit area.
  • On March 12, Ghazali allegedly rammed a pickup truck into the Temple Israel synagogue in West Bloomfield Township.

The players

Ayman Mohamad Ghazali

A 41-year-old U.S. citizen originally from Lebanon who is accused of ramming a car into a synagogue in Michigan, setting off a fire in the building where a preschool was in session.

Phantom Fireworks

A fireworks company that says Ghazali purchased over $2,000 worth of fireworks from one of their Detroit-area stores two days before the synagogue attack.

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What they’re saying

“He certainly had no appearance of nervousness.”

— Alan Zoldan, Executive Vice President, Phantom Fireworks (NBC News)

“For our, you know, biggest customers that are going big at home — which we have so many of — spending $2,000, $5,000, $10,000 happens repeatedly … $5,000 and $10,000 is actually pretty common.”

— Jessi Dragoiu, Vice President, Phantom Fireworks (NBC News)

What’s next

Investigators are looking into Ghazali's possible past ties to suspected members of Hezbollah in Lebanon, which could provide insight into the motive for the attack.

The takeaway

The purchase of a large quantity of fireworks prior to the synagogue attack has raised concerns about the suspect's potential plans, highlighting the need for vigilance and thorough investigation to prevent such targeted acts of violence against religious institutions and communities.