At the Temple Israel Synagogue in West Bloomfield, Michigan, there was an exchange of gunfire between the security device and at least one person, according to the announcement made by the Oakland County Sheriff. An armed suspect was killed, sources told CNN and AP News.
The police intervened following reports that there was an active shooter at the synagogue, and a car entered the building. There is also a school in the synagogue.
Sheriff Michael Bouchard said no arrests have been made at this time.
Images captured at the scene by American media showed dozens of police cars in the area of the building, according to AP. Smoke was seen coming from the building.
Prayers to all the children and teachers at the Temple #Israel in West Bloomfield, #Michigan pic.twitter.com/rOwITCEWpC
— Junaid Zaheer (@iamjunaidzaheer) March 12, 2026
Increased security in the area of Jewish locations
Sheriff Bouchard said that in the past two weeks he had been talking with other law enforcement officials about possible violence in the context of the war in the Middle East. Thus, the synagogue was prepared and had a security team that “addressed the threat,” Bouchard said.
He announced that security measures will be increased in the area of Jewish locations in Bloomfield Township.
Anti-Semitism has no place in Michigan, Governor Gretchen Whitmer said in a statement.
“It's heartbreaking. The Jewish community in Michigan should be able to live and practice their faith in peace,” she said, as quoted by the BBC.
“Anti-Semitism and violence have no place in Michigan,” the governor emphasized.
FBI Director Kash Patel said federal agents were also on the scene.
Authorities ordered the evacuation of the building and the West Bloomfield School District went into lockdown. Around 12 ran to get their children out of the learning center inside the building after getting police clearance, the AP reported.
An armed attack also took place in Virginia on Thursday at an academic building at Old Dominion University in Virginia, according to CNN. Two people are in critical condition. The attacker was killed.
