WEST BLOOMFIELD, Mich. – Department of Homeland Security sources told Local 4 that 41-year-old Ayman Mohamad Ghazali, a naturalized U.S. citizen born in Lebanon, was identified as the man who drove a truck into Temple Israel in West Bloomfield.
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The FBI said at a news conference that it is investigating the attack as a possible terrorist attack and has taken the lead in the probe.
Sirens and alarms sounded outside Temple Israel on Thursday, March 12, as people were evacuated. Cellphone video circulated showing children and staff from the synagogue’s early education program leaving the building.
Arianna Gordon, rabbi and director of education at Temple Israel, described the scene and praised the staff for their calm response.
“It was a really incredibly scary afternoon with all those unknowns, but kids were calm and singing ‘Wheels on the Bus’ and being snuggled by their teachers,” Gordon said.
According to authorities, the truck 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.
Investigators said something ignited inside the truck and the vehicle caught fire. Ghazali was found dead at the scene; officials have not released the official cause of death.
Dozens of first responders were treated for smoke inhalation and other injuries, and about 30 law enforcement officers who responded were taken to hospitals for treatment, authorities said. No students or staff from the early education program were reported injured.
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Jewish community leaders praised security staff while expressing sorrow over the attack.
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.
A press conference with more information is expected to take place Friday morning.
The investigation is ongoing. Officials urged the public to remain vigilant.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the FBI through its digital tip channel or call 1-800-CALL-FBI.