In Michigan, armed man commits terrorist attack in U.S. largest synagogue

Police shot and killed a suspect in an attack on a synagogue in Michigan. Photo: AP Photo/Corey Williams

An attack occurred at the Temple Israel synagogue in West Bloomfield Township – the largest Reform synagogue in the USA.  Police declared an "active shooter situation," the area is cordoned off, and smoke is rising above the building. This is reported by American television channel WDTV.

According to sources, the attacker was shot dead by security on the spot. However, according to preliminary data, there are no other fatalities.

Investigators are still working to identify the man’s identity and a possible motive for the attack, said the person who could not publicly discuss details of the investigation and spoke to AP on condition of anonymity. The person cautioned that the investigation was still in the early stages.

Smoke could be seen billowing from the synagogue, which has about 12,000 members and houses an early childhood center. Footage from the scene shows dozens of police vehicles surrounding the building.

The director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Kash Patel, reported that FBI agents have arrived at the scene of the incident and are treating it as a “possible vehicle-ramming attack and active shooter situation.”

It is reported that the synagogue building houses a children's educational center. After reports of the attack, parents rushed to pick up their children from the facility, having received police permission.

According to the community's website, the Temple Israel synagogue unites about 12,000 members and is considered the largest Reform synagogue in the USA. It operates an educational center for children, as well as various programs for families and adults.

In connection with the attack, the Jewish Federation of Detroit recommended that all Jewish organizations in the region temporarily close their facilities and not allow people to enter or leave buildings until further notice.

As the UOJ wrote, in New York, ISIS supporters carried out a terrorist attack at an anti-Islamic protest.

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