FBI On Scene After Car Rams Michigan Synagogue, ‘Active Shooter’ Reported

Police rushed to a large Jewish synagogue in West Bloomfield Township, Michigan, after an attacker rammed a vehicle into the building and opened fire on Thursday afternoon.

The attacker targeted Temple Israel, which is the largest Reform congregation in the United States, ABC 7 Detroit reported. Aerial footage showed smoke pouring out of the building as first responders rushed into the synagogue. The fire was caused by a car that crashed into the building, according to local reports.

A security guard at the synagogue engaged the attacker and “shots were fired,” according to Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard. The shooter was killed by the security guard.

The sheriff told reporters that “nobody at the moment has been confirmed to be hurt except potentially the shooter.”

Temple Israel also has a preschool, and runs a drive-thru food pantry on Thursdays, according to its website. Sheriff Bouchard said “everyone” in the preschool had been “moved out.”

Authorities were still working to secure the area and ensure that there wasn’t a second attacker who might have escaped and fled on foot, Bouchard added. Schools in the area remained in lockdown.

Noah Arbit, the Michigan state representative from West Bloomfield, said that a local official told him the attacker used an explosive device and exchanged fire with security.

The FBI is also on the scene.

“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,” FBI Director Kash Patel said.

Following reports of the attack, Jewish organizations were told to go into lockdown. West Bloomfield has the highest Jewish population in Michigan.

“We are aware of a security incident at Temple Israel. We are advising all Jewish organizations to go into lockout protocol – nobody in or out of your building. More information to follow,” the Jewish Federation of Detroit said.

Aerial footage and video from the ground outside the synagogue showed a massive police presence as officers with long guns walked near the building.

AERIAL VIEW (via @FOX2News): Temple Israel in West Bloomfield, Michigan as law enforcement on scene of reported “active shooter.” @livenowfox pic.twitter.com/9icJskNiEK

— Josh Breslow (@JoshBreslowTV) March 12, 2026

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer said the attack on Michigan’s Jewish community was “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 added. “Thank you to law enforcement for their swift action.”

This is a developing story; refresh the page for updates.