A man is dead in Michigan after ramming a vehicle into one of the nation’s biggest synagogues that also houses an early childhood center, according to local officials.
The suspect drove into Temple Israel in West Bloomfield Township outside Detroit, Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard said. Synagogue security staff opened fire on the vehicle, and it ignited. The suspect's cause of death remains unknown.
"As you have no doubt heard, Temple Israel was the victim of a terrorist gunman who was confronted and neutralized by our security personnel who are truly heroes," synagogue staff said in a statement on March 12. "Our teachers followed their training and kept the children safe and calm."
A security guard was struck by the vehicle and was hospitalized but is expected to recover, Bouchard said. No other injuries were reported. Authorities successfully evacuated the temple's school, which was in session when the attack occurred.