March 13, New Delhi – A synagogue in suburban Detroit became the scene of chaos after a man drove a truck into the building, which also houses a daycare center.
The suspect smashed through the entrance of Temple Israel and drove down a hallway before being confronted by armed security. The FBI is investigating the incident as a targeted attack on the Jewish community.
Authorities identified the suspect as Ayman Ghazali, a U.S. citizen born in Lebanon. All 140 children inside the preschool were safely evacuated, but the crash sparked a fire that filled the building with smoke. Thirty law enforcement officers were hospitalized for smoke inhalation.
Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard praised the synagogue’s security team for preventing a larger tragedy.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the attack, saying “antisemitism knows no limits.” U.S. President Donald Trump called the incident “terrible” and expressed support for the Jewish community.
The attack comes amid a surge in antisemitic incidents across the United States. Earlier the same day, a gunman opened fire in a classroom at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia, killing one person and injuring two U.S. Army personnel.
The suspect, identified as Mohamed Jalloh, was subdued and killed by Reserve Officer Training Corps students. Jalloh had previously served prison time for providing material support to the Islamic State group.
Federal authorities also disrupted suspects accused of attempting to detonate homemade explosives during an anti-Islam protest outside Gracie Mansion in New York. The FBI is investigating possible extremist motives in both the synagogue and university incidents.
Security has been increased at religious institutions nationwide, with officials warning that ongoing global conflicts could continue to fuel tensions domestically.