OAN Staff Brooke Mallory
Thursday, March 12, 2026
UPDATE – 11:50 am: According to Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard, the synagogue’s lead security guard, who was not named, was hit by the car being driven by the suspect. Nonetheless, he is expected to survive and recover following his arrival to a local hospital.
Bouchard added that it’s still unclear if there were explosives in the vehicle, though “something” ignited in the vehicle following the crash. The “driver was traveling with purpose,” he emphasized.
Bouchard also stated that the synagogue had been well prepared and trained to handle a situation such as this. In fact, the FBI held an active shooter simulation drill at the same temple back in January.
The suspect has been killed, though he has not been identified by authorities. His body was “badly burned” during the attack.
10:29 am: Law enforcement agencies are responding to a high-priority “active shooter situation” at Temple Israel in West Bloomfield on Thursday morning. The incident reportedly began after a vehicle crashed into the building, followed by reports of gunfire and a fire at the scene.
At approximately 9:45 a.m. EST, emergency crews were dispatched to the synagogue located on Walnut Lake Road. Preliminary reports indicate that a vehicle struck the structure, after which an armed individual was identified on the premises.
Oakland County officials confirmed that they are assisting West Bloomfield Police in managing what they have officially classified as an active shooter scene. Plumes of smoke have been seen rising from the building, and fire crews are on standby as police work to secure the perimeter.
In response to the escalating threat, several Jewish organizations and nearby schools in the West Bloomfield area have been ordered into immediate lockdown.
A heavy police presence was spotted by witnesses who reached out to the press — with the presence including both tactical units and armored vehicles. Residents are being urged to avoid the area entirely to allow emergency vehicles clear access.
As of 10:20 a.m. PT, details regarding casualties or the identity of the suspect remain unknown. However, a law enforcement source who reached out to both CNN and Fox News told the press that the perpetrator has been killed. It is still unclear if the car crash was intentional or if it served as a catalyst for the subsequent violence.
“We are responding to a major scene at Temple Israel. This is a fluid and active investigation,” a spokesperson for the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office stated in a brief press update.
Temple Israel is one of the largest Reform Jewish congregations in the United States. The reports of an attack have sent shockwaves through the Metro Detroit community, particularly amidst heightened security concerns for religious institutions globally.
This is a breaking story. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available from local authorities.
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