A suspect armed with a rifle is dead and “badly burned” after ramming a vehicle into a Michigan synagogue on Thursday, sources told CNN, adding that the burns may make it difficult to identify the suspect.
The motive for the incident, which took place at Temple Israel in West Bloomfield, is still under investigation, according to local authorities. The major synagogue also operates a preschool, according to MLive. No kids or staff members were injured, Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard told reporters.
“We have no victims other than one of the lead security people, who was hit by the car and was taken to the hospital for treatment. That individual should be OK,” he told reporters.
The suspect’s car had mortars inside, CNN reports, citing law enforcement sources.
Bouchard confirmed the suspect drove a vehicle into the building and that “security did engage the suspect with gunfire.” He did not confirm the suspect’s cause of death.
The Oakland County Sheriff’s Office and multiple other agencies are at the scene. FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed federal agents are also responding to the incident, which he described as an “apparent vehicle ramming and active shooter situation.”
On Thursday afternoon, President Donald Trump said he’s been “fully briefed” on the incident, which he described as “a terrible thing.”
Oakland County Sheriff Mike Bouchard says 30 law enforcement officers in hospital for smoke inhalation
During a press briefing on Thursday, Oakland County Sheriff Mike Bouchard said that 30 law enforcement officers had to be treated for smoke inhalation caused by a fire during the attack at a synagogue in Michigan.
He said that a private security guard was injured and is being treated after being knocked down by the attacker’s vehicle.
He also said no children or staff were hurt.
Graig Graziosi12 March 2026 22:31
Officials to give evening update shortly
Law enforcement officials and community leaders will give an update on the investigation into Thursday’s synagogue attack shortly.
Stay with The Independent for updates from the press briefing.
Graig Graziosi12 March 2026 22:02
Israeli official says he is ‘shocked’ by Michigan synagogue attack
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar said in a social media statement on Thursday that he was “shocked” by the synagogue attack in Michigan.
“Shocked by the attack on a synagogue near Detroit,” he wrote.
He added that Israeli officials are in touch with the local Jewish community and authorities.
“Antisemitism must never be allowed to rear its ugly head,” he wrote.
Graig Graziosi12 March 2026 21:40
Carole Zawatsky, chief executive of Tree of Life in Pittsburgh, issued a statement on Thursday saying she was relieved to hear that no synagogue members or students had been injured in the attack earlier in the day.
“And yet the feelings of fear the incident has awakened for me and many in my own community in Pittsburgh persist,” she said. “We grieve for a lost sense of security.”
In 2018, a gunman attacked the Tree of Life synagogue, killing 11 people. It was the deadliest antisemitic attack in U.S. history.
Graig Graziosi12 March 2026 21:25
Eight first responders being treated at Michigan hospitals following synagogue attack
Henry Ford Health said in a statement that it is treating eight first responders who were reportedly injured following the Michigan synagogue attack.
The first responders are being treated at Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital and Henry Ford Providence Novi Hospital.
The hospital did not provide details about the individuals’ conditions.
Earlier on Thursday, West Bloomfield Police said that there were no injuries reported from the attack and that they did not transport anyone for medical care.
Graig Graziosi12 March 2026 21:14
Trump remarks on Michigan synagogue attack
During an event at the White House on Thursday, President Donald Trump remarked on the synagogue attack in Michigan.
“I have been fully briefed,” Trump said. “It is a terrible thing, but it goes on. We’re going to be right down to the bottom of it. It is absolutely incredible that things like this happen.”
Graig Graziosi12 March 2026 21:00
8 emergency responders were hospitalized: report
Eight first responders were hospitalized as a result of the synagogue attack, a spokesperson for the Henry Ford Health system said, according to The New York Times.
It’s not clear what specific conditions they were treated for.
Brendan Rascius12 March 2026 20:55
Temple Israel confirms that its students and teachers are safe: report
Temple Israel confirmed that its “140 students and their teachers” were unharmed and safe, according to The New York Times.
Brendan Rascius12 March 2026 20:45
Officials to host press conference on attack at 6 pm ET
The FBI said that officials will hold a press conference on the synagogue attack at 6 p.m. Eastern time.
Brendan Rascius12 March 2026 20:37
Trump says he’s been ‘fully briefed’ on attack
President Donald Trump said he has been “fully briefed” on the synagogue attack in Michigan.
“It is a terrible thing, but it goes on,” Trump said at the White House on Thursday afternoon. “We’re going to be right down to the bottom of it. It is absolutely incredible that things like this happen.”
Brendan Rascius12 March 2026 20:35
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