Police respond to report of ‘active shooter’ situation at Jewish synagogue in Michigan

NBC Chicago’s affiliate station in Detroit, citing police, reported a car crashed into the synagogue and “shots were fired after the crash.”

Officials at the scene confirmed a vehicle was involved and shots were fired.

“At least one individual came to the temple. Security saw him, engaged him in gunfire,” Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard said.

It was not immediately clear if there were any injuries, but police said preliminary reports did not indicate anyone had been hurt.

Footage from the scene showed a massive police response in the area. A suspect was not yet in custody, police said, noting that it was a “work in progress.”

“At the moment, we just tell people shelter in place for at least a mile area until we determine that there’s no one else that maybe was on foot and fled the area,” Bouchard said. “Until we figure out exactly what’s going on.”

Temple Israel’s website states that it has a preschool and large congregation, calling it the “nation’s largest Reform synagogue.”

Bouchard noted that all individuals had been removed from the school and reunification was taking place at The Jewish Center.

The Jewish Federation of Detroit said it was aware of a “security incident” at the synagogue and law enforcement were responding.

“Our Jewish agencies are currently in precautionary lockdown,” the group wrote in a message. “We ask community members to stay away from the area at this time.”

Michigan State Police said it was increasing at places of worship in the area in wake of the incident, with “Federal, State, County and Local Police are continuing to secure the area around the Temple.”

Attorney General Pam Bondi also noted that FBI and ATF agents were assisting local authorities at the scene.

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel said she was “closely monitoring the situation.”

“My heart is with the congregation and community of Temple Israel as law enforcement responds to reports of an active shooter. We are closely monitoring the situation and urge residents to follow the requests of local law enforcement as they work to secure the area and protect lives,” she said in a statement. “Antisemitism has no place in Michigan and cannot be tolerated. In moments like these, it’s more important than ever that we come together, stand with our neighbors, confront hate whenever it appears, and build stronger communities.”

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer called the incident “heartbreaking.”

“Michigan’s Jewish community should be able to live and practice their faith in peace,” she wrote in a message on social media. “Antisemitism and violence have no place in Michigan. I am hoping for everyone’s safety. Thank you to law enforcement for their swift action.”