A man reportedly drove an explosive-laden car into a Michigan synagogue kindergarten on Thursday, motivated by the recent death of his family members in an Israeli airstrike in Lebanon.
Ayman Ghazali, 41, originally from Lebanon and a naturalized U.S. citizen, lost at least four relatives, including his brother, in the attack in Makgara just days prior, amid rising tensions linked to the U.S.-Israel and Iran conflict, according to a source involved in the investigation.
The recent military actions by the Israel Defense Forces resulted in a significant loss of civilian life, with at least 217 Lebanese killed and almost 800 others injured.
Ghazali, who lived in Dearborn Heights, Michigan, and worked at a local Middle Eastern restaurant, died in the assault on Temple Israel in West Bloomfield, where he attempted to enter the preschool section.
Born in Lebanon in January 1985, he received U.S. citizenship over ten years ago under the Obama administration after entering the U.S. on an immigrant visa as a spouse of an American citizen. He became a citizen on February 5, 2016, according to federal officials.
Court documents reveal that he shares at least one child with his ex-wife, who filed for divorce in 2024, finalizing it seven months later.
When he attempted to enter the kindergarten, there were 140 students inside. Fortunately, security personnel acted decisively, firing at him before finding him deceased in his car, which was filled with mortar shells.
Officials discovered a man burned beyond recognition following the fire that engulfed the explosive-laden vehicle. Amazingly, none of the children or staff were harmed, although the temple’s security chief was knocked unconscious by the vehicle in the chaos, along with about 30 other emergency responders who suffered smoke inhalation and were later treated at a local hospital.
The precise cause of death for the suspect is still unclear, and while officials noted that it’s early to speculate on a motive, the FBI has confirmed that the investigation is being handled as a targeted attack against the Jewish community.
Oakland County, where Temple Israel is located, boasts one of the largest Jewish populations outside New York.
