SUMMARY
- Police and federal agencies are on scene following reports of a car crashing into the synagogue and gunfire inside.
- The Jewish Federation of Detroit said local Jewish institutions are in lockdown and residents should avoid the area.
- Nearby Bloomfield Hills schools were placed in secure mode as a precaution.
WEST BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP, Mich. — Authorities are responding to reports of an active shooter at Temple Israel, a synagogue and school in West Bloomfield Township, after a vehicle was driven into the building Thursday afternoon, officials said.
According to the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office, the incident began shortly before 1 PM when a vehicle struck the synagogue on Walnut Lake Road, followed by reports of gunfire.
Law enforcement quickly secured the area, including surrounding streets and schools. Temple Israel serves as both a place of worship and an educational center, housing a preschool and community programs.
Rabbi Aaron Bergman, a spokesperson for the congregation, said, “We are cooperating fully with authorities and prioritizing the safety of all inside.”
Experts note that attacks on religious institutions in the US have risen in recent years. Dr. Samuel Green, a security analyst at the Center for Strategic Studies, said, “Synagogues remain frequent targets, making rapid response critical.”
Authorities have not released details on casualties or suspects. Michigan State Police and local law enforcement continue to investigate, urging the public to avoid the area.
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