A rifle-wielding attacker died Thursday after crashing a vehicle into a synagogue building in the US state of Michigan, in what federal investigators described as an act targeting the Jewish community, according to the Associated Press (AP).
The incident occurred at Temple Israel, one of the largest Reform synagogues in the United States.
Authorities said the vehicle crashed into the building and caught fire before security officers opened fire.
Authorities said no synagogue staff members or children inside the building were injured.
What exactly happened?
Authorities said the vehicle crashed into the synagogue and went through a hallway inside the building.
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Security personnel responded and shot the attacker.
Jennifer Runyan said the FBI is leading the investigation. “This is a deeply disturbing and tragic incident,” Runyan said. “At this time, the FBI considers this to be an act of violence directed against the Jewish community.”
Investigators said they have not yet identified a motive. “The investigation must determine what prompted this person to act,” Mike Bouchard told reporters.
Safety and injury response.
Police said synagogue security officers quickly confronted the attacker. Dale Young said temple security “engaged with the individual and neutralized the threat.” The suspect was later found dead inside the vehicle, authorities said.
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A security officer was struck by the vehicle and briefly lost consciousness, but did not suffer life-threatening injuries, according to Bouchard. About 30 law enforcement officers were treated for smoke inhalation after the crash sparked a fire.
Children safely evacuated
Authorities said about 140 children were inside the synagogue’s early childhood center at the time of the incident. Staff and teachers moved them to a safe location and then reunited them with their parents.
Arianna Gordon thanked the security team, teachers and police for protecting the children. “They are the real rock stars of the moment,” he said. Parents ran into the building after authorities cleared it.
One parent, Allison Jacobs, whose young daughter attends the center, said she received a message from a teacher telling her the children were safe before she knew what had happened. “There are no words. I was in complete and utter shock,” he told the AP.
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Security concerns amid broader tensions
Synagogues in several countries have increased security since the war between the United States, Israel and Iran began on February 28.
Officials also warned of possible threats to Jewish institutions.
Donald Trump said he had been informed about the Michigan incident and described it as “a terrible thing.”
Temple Israel has about 12,000 members and is one of the largest Reform Jewish congregations in the United States.
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said the Jewish community should be able to practice their faith safely.
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“The Jewish community of Michigan should be able to live and practice their faith in peace,” he said.
The investigation continues.
