Security Guard Mows Down Active Shooter Who Rammed Explosives-Packed Car Into Synagogue

A man armed with weapons was shot and killed by security officers at a Michigan synagogue on Thursday after ramming his explosives-laden truck through the front doors.

Reports indicated a truck loaded with Improvised Explosive Devices drove into the Temple Israel synagogue in West Bloomfield, Michigan, and continued down the hallway, according to a press conference held by Sheriff Mike Bouchard. The school also has a preschool that was reportedly in session at the time.

The vehicle caught fire shortly after ramming into the building and the driver was reportedly on fire from “something,” Bouchard told reporters. The alleged suspect was found dead inside the truck, according to the Associated Press.

It was unclear whether the suspect was shot or burned to death due to the state of the fire, though the Associated Press reported he had been shot.

No staff or students inside the preschool were injured in the incident, although a security guard was struck by the vehicle and was taken to the hospital for treatment, Bouchard said.

The area was still being cleared for any explosives, but Bouchard noted that the “active” threat appeared to be over. A one-mile radius that was previously in effect was lifted just after 2 p.m.

The synagogue reportedly conducted an active shooter drill with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in the weeks leading up to the incident, according to CNN.

Investigators told the Associated Press that a motive for the attack could not be determined at this time and that the investigation was still in its early stages.