Federal investigators say the man responsible for a violent attack at a synagogue in West Bloomfield, Michigan remained parked outside the building for hours before driving his truck into the facility and opening fire.
The suspect, identified by authorities as Ayman Mohamad Ghazali, 41, of Dearborn Heights, Michigan, carried out the attack at Temple Israel, one of the largest Reform synagogues in the United States.
Suspect stayed in parking lot for more than two hours
According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Ghazali arrived at the synagogue shortly before 10 a.m. Thursday in a gray Ford F-150.
Surveillance video shows he remained in the parking lot for more than two hours without interacting with anyone else. Investigators said no additional vehicles or individuals appeared to be connected to him during that time.
Around 12:15 p.m., the suspect began driving through the parking lot before crashing through Door 5 on the southeast side of the building at about 12:19 p.m., striking a security guard as he entered.
Gunfire exchanged inside synagogue
Authorities said the truck became wedged between hallway walls after entering the building. Ghazali then fired shots through the windshield, prompting armed security personnel to respond.
One security officer returned fire through the rear window of the truck, while another engaged the suspect from the front of the vehicle.
During the confrontation, the truck’s engine compartment caught fire.
Investigators said Ghazali later died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Fireworks and gasoline discovered in truck
Police also discovered potentially dangerous materials in the bed of the vehicle, including large amounts of commercial-grade fireworks and containers filled with flammable liquid believed to be gasoline.
Some of the fuel was consumed in the fire that followed the attack.
Hundreds of officers responded to scene
Mike Bouchard, sheriff of Oakland County, Michigan, said the emergency response involved hundreds of officers from across southeast Michigan.
In total, 605 law enforcement personnel from 42 agencies responded to the scene.
Authorities said 63 officers were treated at hospitals for smoke inhalation after entering the building during the fire while ensuring the threat had ended and assisting with evacuations.
Staff members at the synagogue also helped safely evacuate children from the facility’s early childhood center, which serves infants through preschool-age students.
Officials increase security at houses of worship
Following the incident, police departments across southeast Michigan increased patrols around synagogues and other houses of worship.
Meanwhile, Mo Baydoun, mayor of Dearborn Heights, Michigan, condemned the attack and expressed solidarity with the Jewish community.
Investigators said there are currently no known additional threats to the public.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation continues to analyze evidence collected from the synagogue, the suspect’s vehicle and surrounding areas as authorities work to determine a motive.
Officials are asking anyone with information related to the attack to contact the FBI tip line.