In a chilling incident that underscores rising security concerns, a Michigan synagogue found itself under attack by an antisemitic assailant just days after warnings were issued about potential threats to Jewish institutions. The Oakland County Sheriff, Michael Bouchard, revealed on Friday that local authorities had been proactive, contacting the synagogue to heighten security awareness in light of escalating conflicts in the Middle East.
Bouchard shared that he had been in communication with the head of security at Temple Israel in West Bloomfield. He had sent messages containing “information and ideas” aimed at bolstering the synagogue’s defenses, amid growing fears of possible local repercussions from international tensions.
“We were already in discussions before the incident unfolded,” Bouchard explained, “and our alerts ensured that when the crisis hit, the security team acted swiftly and effectively, adhering to their training to neutralize the threat.”
Alongside discussions with the synagogue’s security leader, Bouchard maintained contact with the local police chief, exchanging “relevant information about potential threats” and emphasizing vigilance against possible incidents.
The attack, orchestrated by 41-year-old Lebanese-American Ayman Ghazali, saw him driving an explosives-laden vehicle into one of the area’s largest Reform synagogues. At the time, approximately 106 children and 30 staff members were present for early childhood classes, according to officials.
In a tense confrontation, the synagogue’s security guards engaged in gunfire with Ghazali, culminating in his car erupting in flames. The swift action of the security team undoubtedly prevented a potential tragedy.
Ghazali’s charred remains were found inside the car.
A security guard was hurt, and about 30 law enforcement officers were treated for smoke inhalation, but no teachers nor kids were injured.
Leading up to the attack, Ghazali bought more than $2,000 worth of explosives at a fireworks store, NBC News reported.
Video provided to the outlet by Phantom Fireworks shows Ghazali walking around the store, where he spent about 45 minutes in.
The owner noted though a $2,000 is not lot to spend on fireworks.
Bouchard described the synagogue security as full-time staffers who are all “very proactive” and have past law enforcement experience.
“This particular temple had trained fairly recently, so the staff and security – who are former police officers – know what to do,” said Bouchard, who has been the county’s top cop for nearly three decades.
Ghazali targeted the synagogue in what officials said was an antisemitic attack. His hateful act came days after his two brothers, as well as a niece and nephew, were killed by an Israeli airstrike in Lebanon.
The two brothers were members of Hezbollah, law-enforcement sources told The Post.
The region has been in deadly turmoil since American and Israeli forces launched airstrikes against Iran nearly two weeks ago.
While Bouchard was in touch with Temple Israel this week before the attack, he was talking with police chiefs in towns that had large Jewish centers around when the fighting in the Mideast began.
Bouchard, whose county faced high-profile shootings such as at Oxford High School in 2021 and Michigan State University in 2023, said law enforcement’s presence at Temple Israel will continue to be 24-7 “for the foreseeable future.
“In a terrible situation, we probably had the best outcome,” he said. “No kids and no staff injured or killed, and I’ve been to my fair share where that’s not the case.”
