Police are responding to an “active shooter situation” at Temple Israel in Michigan. Oakland County Sheriff's Office said officers were deployed to what has been described as the largest Reform synagogue in the US on Thursday. Members of the public have been urged to avoid the area near Temple Israel, located on 5725 Walnut Lake Road in West Bloomfield.
Schools nearby have been put in secure mode as a precaution, police said, though there are “no known threats” at this time. Bloomfield Police wrote on X: “Bloomfield Hills schools are in secure mode due to an ongoing incident in West Bloomfield. This is out of precaution, there are no known threats to Bloomfield Hills schools at this time.”
The Jewish Federation of Detroit also urged all Jewish organizations to go into “lockout protocol.” There have been no reports of injuries.
Michigan State Police added: “We are asking for community members to stay away from the area to allow for police response. Troopers are also increasing patrols at other places of worship in the district.”
Ann Arbor Police Chief Andre Anderson ordered increased patrols and told officers to respond to local houses of worship and schools as a precautionary measure.
Helicopter footage of the incident circulating on social media appears to show smoke pouring out of the synagogue's roof as emergency vehicles are parked outside.
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FBI Director Kash Patel said the incident also involved “apparent vehicle ramming” and confirmed FBI personnel are responding.
He wrote on X: “FBI personnel are on the scene with partners in Michigan and responding to the apparent vehicle ramming and active shooter situation outside of Temple Israel Synagogue in West Bloomfield Township, Michigan.”
Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard said “at least one individual” was involved and “engaged in gunfire” by security.
He said: “It appears at least one individual came to the temple, security saw him, engaged him in gunfire. The scene, we're not getting any active stimulus at the moment.
“We have everything here that we need, including medics and tactical gear. We're looking to see if there's more than one person. We're trying to figure that out.”