West Bloomfield Temple Israel Attack

Multiple police departments in Southeast Michigan are increasing patrols after an attack at Temple Israel in West Bloomfield.

The Threat in West Bloomfield

The suspect in the attack is dead after driving a truck through the doors of the synagogue and down the hallway. The man exited the vehicle with a rifle and was shot by synagogue security.

No students or staff were harmed in the incident, according to Oakland County Sheriff Bouchard.

Bouchard said the sheriff’s department responded to an “active shooter situation” at Temple Israel in West Bloomfield on Thursday afternoon.

Dearborn, Michigan, hosts the largest Arab-American population in the U.S. and plans to “provide additional attention to houses of worship and schools through the city as a precautionary safety measure.’

The Response

Dearborn police assert: “At this time, there is no known threat to the Dearborn community. These proactive steps are being taken to help ensure the safety of our residents and provide reassurance throughout the community. The Dearborn Police Department will continue to closely monitor the situation and remain in communication with regional law enforcement partners.”

Ann Arbor and Beverly Hills are also increasing patrols around places of worship.

The University of Michigan Division of Public Safety and Security says there is no known threat to campuses and will ramp up its presence.

Grosse Pointe Woods police released a statement:

“Our hearts are with the community of Temple Israel and West Bloomfield after today’s tragedy. Our department remains diligent on protecting everyone who lives, works, or worships in Grosse Pointe Woods. While there are no known threats here in our community, we do ask the community to remain alert and always report any suspicious activity.”

Sources:

CBS News: Law enforcement in Southeast Michigan increasing patrol after attack at Detroit after attack at Detroit area synogogue
ClickOnDetroit: Police called to Jewish temple in West Bloomfield after crash, shots fired

Featured Image Courtesy of Ken Lund’s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License