Michigan Synagogue Shares Photos of Fire Damage After Truck Attack

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A Michigan synagogue has shared photos on social media showing the major fire damage that occurred when a man drove a pickup truck into the building last week before killing himself. The images reveal loose wires, an exposed ceiling, blackened walls, and ruined celebratory photos from the attack near an early childhood education room at Temple Israel in suburban Detroit.

Why it matters

The synagogue decided to share the photos after other images 'made their way into the media, which have caused considerable harm to the survivors of last week's attack.' The incident has raised concerns about security and safety at places of worship.

The details

On March 12, Ayman Ghazali, 41, rammed his pickup truck through a synagogue door, striking a security guard. Security staff exchanged gunfire with him before he killed himself. The truck had commercial-grade fireworks and several jugs of gasoline. No children or other staff were injured.

• The attack occurred on March 12.
• The synagogue posted the photos on social media on March 19.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The FBI is still investigating the motive for the attack, though Ghazali's ex-wife had called police around the time of the incident to warn that he seemed distraught and suicidal.