Suspect Identified in Michigan Synagogue Attack
The individual involved in the assault on a Jewish synagogue in Michigan on Thursday has been preliminarily identified as Ayman Mohammad Ghazali, a 41-year-old American citizen originally from Lebanon, according to multiple law enforcement sources.
Dearborn Heights Mayor Mo Baydoun mentioned that Ghazali resided in the city and appeared to have targeted the Jewish community due to personal losses he experienced in Lebanon connected to conflicts with Israel.
At approximately 12:30 p.m. local time, Ghazali allegedly rammed his vehicle into Temple Israel, a prominent Reform Jewish synagogue located in West Bloomfield. He then exited the car brandishing a rifle and engaged in a shootout with an armed guard, who ultimately shot him dead.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confirmed to Fox News that the tragic incident at Temple Israel was perpetrated by Ghazali.
Investigation Ongoing
Mayor Baydoun revealed in a social media statement that the suspect had lost several family members in an Israeli attack on his home in Lebanon just earlier this month.
“Today, we learned more about the perpetrator at Temple Israel in West Bloomfield. He was a resident from Dearborn Heights and died at the scene,” Mo Baydoun stated. “Earlier this month, he lost family members, including a niece and nephew, due to an Israeli attack in Lebanon.” He condemned the attack and urged residents to remain vigilant, especially during the last holy day of Ramadan.
Background and Entry to the U.S.
Ghazali, who lived close to Dearborn, arrived in the United States around 15 years ago during the Obama administration, entering as the spouse of a U.S. citizen, per officials’ accounts. He became a U.S. citizen in 2016.
Born in Lebanon on January 4, 1985, he entered the U.S. through Detroit Metropolitan Airport on May 10, 2011, according to DHS records. He possessed an IR1 immigrant visa—generally given to couples married for more than two years—which suggests his marriage occurred by May 2009.
Before his arrival, his partner had filed two applications—a fiancé application and an alien relative application—both approved in April 2010. Ghazali applied for naturalization on October 20, 2015, and was granted citizenship on February 5, 2016. Local media reported that he was employed as a laborer in Dearborn Heights.
Officials cautioned that identifying information is still preliminary as the investigation into the incident continues.
Aftermath of the Assault
In the wake of the incident, Henry Ford Health reported that at least eight first responders were treated at the hospital due to their involvement. Initially, it was noted that a security guard was struck by Ghazali’s vehicle. The number of responders affected rose significantly, with approximately 30 officers sent to hospitals for smoke inhalation after entering the synagogue, according to Sheriff Michael Bouchard.
Fortunately, all preschool children and staff at the temple were safely evacuated.
