OAKLAND COUNTY, Mich. – The West Bloomfield Township Supervisor praised law enforcement and security for their response in the attack at a Jewish temple, saying, “the unexpected did not turn into tragedy.”
On March 12, a man, later identified as 41-year-old Ayman Mohamad Ghazali, drove a truck into Temple Israel in West Bloomfield Township. After an exchange of gunfire with the temple’s security, he died at the scene. One security officer was taken to a hospital after being struck by the truck.
No children or staff were injured. The FBI is leading the investigation and is considering the case as a targeted act of violence.
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West Bloomfield Township Supervisor Jonathan Warshay joined Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Senator Elissa Slotkin and Rabbi Arianna Gordon in a press conference on March 13, thanking the community and law enforcement for the quick response to the attack.
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“I think it’s fair to say that none of us went to bed Wednesday expecting to wake up to Thursday’s events. But thanks to the preparation and training of Temple Israel’s security team and the West Bloomfield Police Department, the unexpected did not turn into tragedy,” Warshay said. “Yesterday’s incident at Temple Israel is deeply concerning for everyone in West Bloomfield, Michigan, across the country, as well as Jews everywhere.”
You can listen to his full statement at the beginning of this article.
Warshay said he lives in West Bloomfield, and he and his wife are members of Temple Israel. “I have a keen understanding of the effects on the community.”
He thanked first responders and partnering agencies for their courage and professionalism, as well as for the work they did to stabilize the scene.
“Our thoughts are with all members of Temple Israel and their families,” he continued. “No community should ever feel unsafe gathering in a house of worship, or sending their children to school.”
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You can watch the full press conference below: