On Thursday, local officials alerted a synagogue in Michigan about the rising risk of threats against Jewish organizations just two days before an attack, as stated by the county sheriff to The Post on Friday.
Michael Bouchard, the Oakland County Sheriff, mentioned that he reached out via text to the security head at Temple Israel in West Bloomfield to share insights on enhancing security due to fears that recent violence in the Middle East could spark local tensions.
“We had discussions before the incident and were on high alert. So, when it occurred, our security team’s response was in line with their training,” Bouchard explained.
He added that he stayed connected with both the temple’s security chief and the local police chief to provide information on potential dangers and how to prepare for them.
Ayman Ghazali, 41, a Lebanese-American, drove a vehicle loaded with explosives into the synagogue while around 106 children and 30 staff members were present for an early childhood program, according to officials.
After security personnel engaged him in a gunfight, the car ignited, leading to the discovery of Ghazali’s remains inside.
A security guard sustained injuries, and about 30 law enforcement officers received treatment for smoke inhalation, but fortunately, no children or teachers were harmed.
In the days leading up to the attack, Ghazali had bought over $2,000 worth of explosives from a fireworks retailer. Eyewitnesses reported that he spent about 45 minutes in the store before making the purchase.
Bouchard remarked that the temple’s security staff, comprised mainly of former police officers, are highly vigilant and well-trained. “They know their protocols well,” he mentioned, noting his long tenure as sheriff.
The attack was reportedly motivated by anti-Semitic sentiments, occurring shortly after Ghazali’s two brothers and niece and nephew lost their lives in an Israeli airstrike in Lebanon. The brothers were said to be linked to Hezbollah.
Amid increasing violence that erupted following U.S. and Israeli airstrikes on Iranian targets, Bouchard had also communicated with police chiefs in areas with significant Jewish populations, seeking to enhance safety measures during this tense period.
Following the attack, he assured that law enforcement would maintain a constant presence at Temple Israel for the foreseeable future. “In the worst circumstances, it was probably the best possible outcome,” he noted, reflecting on the fact that no children or staff were injured or killed despite the tumultuous events.
