Detroit: A man drove a vehicle into a Jewish synagogue in the US state of Michigan on Thursday in an apparent attack on the Jewish community, but security personnel shot him dead before he could harm people inside the building.
The incident happened at Temple Israel synagogue in West Bloomfield, a suburb near Detroit. According to authorities, the attacker drove a truck into the entrance of the synagogue complex and caused a fire after the crash.
Security staff at the synagogue quickly responded when the man reportedly came out of the vehicle carrying a weapon. The guard opened fire and the suspect was killed at the scene. Police said the quick response prevented a possible mass casualty incident.
Officials said a security guard was injured after being hit by the vehicle, but no worshippers were killed or seriously hurt. The crash and the fire caused smoke in the building and several police officers who responded to the scene were treated for smoke inhalation.
At the time of the attack, around 140 children were inside the synagogue complex attending a preschool program. Staff and emergency responders safely evacuated all the children and teachers without injuries.
Authorities later identified the suspect as a 41 year old naturalised US citizen originally from Lebanon. Investigators said the motive behind the attack is still under investigation, but early indications suggest the synagogue was deliberately targeted.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation has joined local police in investigating the incident. Officials are examining the suspect’s background and possible connections to extremist motives.
Following the attack, security was increased around synagogues and other places of worship in several US cities as a precaution.
US President Donald J Trump expressed concern over the incident and extended support to the Jewish community. Community leaders in Michigan also condemned the attack and praised the security guard and first responders for preventing a larger tragedy.
The synagogue building suffered damage from the crash and fire, but authorities said the situation was brought under control quickly and the area is now secure.