WEST BLOOMFIELD (WWJ) -- The suspect is dead, but no one else was hurt in a shooting at Temple Israel, a Jewish temple in West Bloomfield Township in suburban Detroit.
This is expected to remains a developing situation for some time, with police and the FBI at the temple property on Walnut Lake Road, east of Drake.
FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed: "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."
Information from witnesses is that the driver of a pickup truck pulled onto the sidewalk and then drove right into the doors of the building, at Entrance 5, near the temple's childcare center.
According Oakland County Sheriff Mike Bouchard, the driver — who was reported to be armed — breached the building, drove down the hall, and was engaged by security.
Bouchard said he cannot confirm that it was security that shot and killed the suspect, but he can confirm that the suspect is dead. "In situations like this, you never know. If someone's trapped, sometimes they kill themselves," Bouchard said. "So, the suspect was engaged is the clearest sentence I can give you."
No one else was injured in the gunfire, Bouchard said.
One of the security guards was hit and briefly dragged by the vehicle, but is said to have suffered only minor injuries.
Steve Smith was at the temple for the food pantry when he witnessed the crash. Smith told WWJ's Amanda Forrester that he saw police with guns drawn, before he was ordered to go back to his car.
Around that time, Smith said he heard several "booms" from inside the building, and saw smoke.
"There are police outside every entrance. They just brought in several dogs," Smith said. "Tactical has been in there...Some of the officers have gas masks on...There's still smoke coming out of the inside of the school."
The temple's rabbi, Rabbi Harold Loss, sent a message to the congregation at 1:20 p.m. stating that "everyone is OK."
The public is told to continue to expect a heavy police presence and to avoid the area, but a Shelter in Place order for nearby residents has been lifted.
"We want to assure the community that there doesn't appear to be anything active," the sheriff added, during a 2:30 p.m. briefing. "We're still clearing the area. We're gonna clear vehicles for any explosive devices, the building, etc."
The sheriff said, for those with students at the school, reunification would be at the JCC.
"It's going to be secured by law enforcement, so no fear there," Bouchard said. "If you have nothing to do with the situation, don't go there. Don't come to the area. It's active and it's busy, and we're still trying to figure it out."
Later, temple officials confirmed that all students and staff were accounted for an safe. (Scroll down to read more on that).
While law enforcement said there were no injuries apart from the security guard who was hit, Henry Ford Health said the emergency medicine teams at Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital and Henry Ford Providence Novi Hospital were caring for eight first responders following the incident. It's unclear if that was for smoke inhalation or other injuries, and there are no details on their conditions.
"Our hearts go out to the community at Temple Israel and anyone who is impacted by this this frightening event. There is absolutely no place for violence in our community," Henry Ford Health said.
West Bloomfield Schools said they were under a shelter in place order at Doherty Elementary School, West Bloomfield Middle School, and West Bloomfield High School at this time. Orchard Lake St. Mary's was also on lockdown, as a precaution.
Authorities have not have not yet talked about a possible motive, including whether antisemitism was a factor, as it's still very early in the investigation.
Earlier, the Jewish Federation of Detroit said itsJewish agencies were in a precautionary lockdown, and MSP said troopers were increasing patrols at other places of worship in the district.
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said she has been tracking the situation, and that her office is 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," Whitmer said, adding: "Thank you to law enforcement for their swift action."
Oakland County Exec. David Coulter said the team at the Oakland County Emergency Operation Center is monitoring the situation at Temple Israel in West Bloomfield.
He said, in a statement: "Our team been activated and we’re supporting law enforcement officers in keeping the community safe. We are holding the Jewish Community close and will always reiterate that antisemitism has no place in Oakland County. We appreciate the quick action of the West Bloomfield Police Department, Oakland County Sherriff's Office and all collaborating partners."
Temple Israel is said to be among the largest Reform congregations in the U.S.
Late Thursday afternoon, the temple posted this message on social media:
"Dear Temple Israel Family,
Everyone is safe. All 140 students in our Susan and Harold Loss Early Childhood Center, our amazing staff, our courageous teachers, and our heroic security personnel are all accounted for and safe.
"As you have no doubt heard, Temple Israel was the victim of a terrorist gunman who was confronted and neutralized by our security personnel who are truly heroes. Our teachers followed their training and kept the children safe and calm.
"We are deeply and humbly grateful to our teachers, staff, security, law enforcement, and Shenendoah Country Club that welcomed us, fed us, and sheltered our staff, teachers, children, and parents. What incredible neighbors we have. What incredible police force we have.
"This note is coming to you before we know anything about our future programming or services, or any investigation. We wanted you to know we are safe, and we love you all."
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