Authorities said Friday that the suspect who rammed an explosives-filled vehicle into a Michigan synagogue Thursday died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
A suspect rammed an explosives-laden truck into the entrance of a synagogue in West Bloomfield, Mich., on Thursday afternoon, forcing his way inside the building. During a press conference Friday, FBI Special Agent in Charge Jennifer Runyan told reporters that early evidence indicates the attacker took his own life.
“Yes, Ma’am. Preliminary reports from the medical examiner’s office show a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head,” Runyan said.
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Officials said the attack did not leave any children or synagogue staff hurt. Sheriff Mike Bouchard said security staff inside the building responded immediately once the vehicle broke through the entrance, stopping the threat and likely preventing a much more serious outcome.
“No children and no staff were hurt. So we know there’s evil in the world, and we know they only have to get it right once, and sometimes they do. They may not come on anybody’s radar, and they show up,” Bouchard said.
Bouchard said about 30 law enforcement officers went to hospitals after inhaling smoke while carrying out the search-and-rescue operation.
“One of the heads of security was taken to the hospital. He got knocked down by the car when it breached the building, and we’ve had 30 law enforcement officers taken to the hospital for smoke inhalation. So a lot of our folks from my SWAT team and other agencies are still in treatment because that building became engulfed in the car,” Bouchard said.
Weeks prior to the attack, the FBI held an active-shooter preparedness training session at the Michigan synagogue for clergy and staff. FBI Director Kash Patel said the bureau led the training earlier this year to help participants prepare for potential threats.
“Just months ago, our team at FBI Detroit Field Office conducted active-shooter preparedness training with the clergy and staff at Temple Israel, focusing on the Run, Hide, Fight principles and real-world decision-making under pressure,” Patel told Fox News Digital.
(Featured Image Media Credit: Screenshot/Fox News)
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