OAKLAND COUNTY, Mich. – The suspect in the West Bloomfield temple attack on Thursday has been identified, and the FBI is now leading the investigation.
The attack happened on March 12 at Temple Israel, near the intersection of Walnut Lake and Drake roads.
A man drove a truck into the temple and came to a stop near the early childhood center before an exchange of gunfire with security. One security worker was knocked unconscious when the vehicle struck the building, and another security guard fired at the driver.
The suspect died at the scene.
Here’s what we know:
What to know about the suspect
According to sources from the Department of Homeland Security, 41-year-old Ayman Mohamad Ghazali, a naturalized U.S. citizen born in Lebanon, was identified as the man who drove a truck into the temple.
DHS sources told Local 4 that Ghazali came to the United States in 2011, applied for naturalization in 2015 and was granted U.S. citizenship in 2016. Officials said they continue to investigate what ignited inside the truck and what, if any, materials were inside the vehicle.
FBI investigating attack as targeted act of violence
FBI Special Agent in Charge Jennifer Runyan said the agency is treating it as a targeted attack on the Jewish community and has taken over the investigation.
A press conference with more information is expected to take place Friday morning.
Related --> FBI held active shooter training at West Bloomfield temple weeks before attack
First responders, security guard injured
The temple has a preschool program and a large congregation, but no children or school staff were injured.
The security officer who was struck by the vehicle was taken to a hospital and is expected to be okay.
Eight first responders were taken to a local hospital to be treated for smoke inhalation after putting out the smoke from the truck that crashed into the building.
“The emergency medicine teams at Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital and Henry Ford Providence Novi Hospital are currently caring for eight first responders following this afternoon’s incident at Temple Israel. Further requests for updates on their conditions should be directed to law enforcement.
Our hearts go out to the community at Temple Israel and anyone who is impacted by this this frightening event. There is absolutely no place for violence in our community."
Statement from Henry Ford Health