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.
MSP redirected the Daily Caller News Foundation to their X page for more information. The Oakland County Sheriff’s Office did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Democratic Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer posted on X that she was “tracking reports of an active shooting” at the synagogue and called it “heartbreaking.”
“Michigan’s Jewish community should be able to live and practice their faith in peace,” the statement read. “Antisemitism and violence have no place in Michigan. I am hoping for everyone’s safety.”
FBI Director Kash Patel wrote on X that agency personnel were on scene and responding to “the apparent vehicle ramming and active shooter situation.”
Several cities, including Philadelphia and New York City, are upping their police presence around religious places of worship in response to the incident.
This is a breaking news story and will be updated.
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