FBI Responds to Michigan Synagogue Vehicle Ramming and Active Shooter Incident

"FBI personnel are on the scene with partners in Michigan and responding to the apparent vehicle ramming and active shooter situation out of Temple Israel Synagogue in West Bloomfield Township, Michigan. @FBIDetroit," Patel posted on X, adding that the bureau's FBI Detroit Field Office was involved in the response.

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer said she was closely monitoring the reports of the incident and that state authorities were working with local law enforcement.

In a post on X, Whitmer said, "I am tracking reports of an active shooting at Temple Israel in West Bloomfield. We are working with Michigan State Police to get more information. This is heartbreaking. Michigan's Jewish community should be able to live and practice their faith in peace. Antisemitism and violence have no place in Michigan. I am hoping for everyone's safety."

According to CNN, a suspect was killed on Thursday (local time) after ramming a vehicle into the synagogue in the Detroit-area township. According to its live updates, Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard said security personnel opened fire after the vehicle struck the building, killing the suspect.

Emergency responders also discovered what appeared to be a large quantity of explosives in the back of the vehicle, law enforcement officials briefed on the scene told CNN.

A security guard was struck by the vehicle but is expected to recover, Bouchard said.

Temple Israel, which houses an early childcare centre and school, is located in West Bloomfield Township, part of the Detroit metropolitan area.

CNN reported that the incident comes amid rising antisemitic threats and attacks against Jewish institutions in the United States, with many synagogues and schools strengthening security in recent years.

Authorities are continuing to investigate the incident.

Earlier, Patel said that the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is also assisting local authorities responding to a shooting at Old Dominion University in Norfolk.

The New York Times reported that, according to Old Dominion University, the incident occurred shortly before 10:49 a.m. (local time) at Constant Hall, a building with classrooms and lecture halls on the university's main campus in Norfolk. Two people were injured and taken to the hospital, while the gunman was reported dead.

The university said police officers, emergency management personnel and responders from the City of Norfolk quickly arrived at the scene to assist the injured, The New York Times reported.

- ANI