Michigan Synagogue Thwarts Attack After Bolstering Security

Temple Israel's security measures, including an armed guard, credited with saving lives during assault

Mar. 14, 2026 at 3:18pm

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The Michigan synagogue that was attacked this week when an armed man drove his car into the building had been strengthening its security apparatus for months, including hiring a seasoned police lieutenant as its security director and holding active shooter training. This beefed-up security is being credited with saving lives, as an armed, private security guard shot back at the attacker after he opened fire through his windshield in a hallway inside the building. All 140 students in the early childhood learning center were unscathed.

Why it matters

The attack on the synagogue highlights the growing threat of antisemitism and violence targeting places of worship, which has led many religious institutions to take proactive steps to bolster security. The successful response at Temple Israel demonstrates the importance of thorough preparation and the potential to mitigate tragedy through effective security measures.

The details

The armed attacker, identified as Ayman Mohammad Ghazali, a Lebanese-born U.S. citizen, drove his car into the synagogue and opened fire. The car's engine caught fire, and Ghazali eventually used his own weapon to fatally shoot himself. The synagogue's security guard engaged the attacker, preventing further harm. Temple Israel had hired a former police lieutenant, Danny Phillips, to lead its armed security team, and the staff and clergy had recently participated in active shooter training.

  • The synagogue hired Danny Phillips as its security director last June.
  • In January 2026, Temple Israel's staff and clergy participated in active shooter training led by an FBI official.

The players

Temple Israel

A synagogue outside Detroit that was the target of an attack this week.

Danny Phillips

A former police lieutenant hired by Temple Israel last June to lead its armed security team as the head of security.

Ayman Mohammad Ghazali

A Lebanese-born U.S. citizen who carried out the attack on Temple Israel, driving his car into the building and opening fire before fatally shooting himself.

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What they’re saying

“If they had not done their job almost perfectly we would be talking about an immense tragedy here today with children gone.”

— Elissa Slotkin, U.S. Senator

“These heroes threw themselves in harm's way, engaging a suspect.”

— Gretchen Whitmer, Michigan Governor

“Unfortunately the entire Jewish community, no matter where we are in the world, we have to plan for things like this.”

— Jennifer Kaluzny, Temple Israel Rabbi

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Ayman Mohammad Ghazali's family to claim his body.

The takeaway

This attack underscores the ongoing threat of antisemitism and the need for places of worship to prioritize security, as Temple Israel has done through measures like hiring an experienced security director and conducting active shooter training. Their preparedness likely saved lives during this incident.