WEST BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP MICHIGAN, Authorities say the suspect in a shooting incident at a synagogue in the Detroit metropolitan area is believed to be dead following a major emergency response Thursday at Temple Israel in West Bloomfield Township.
According to early reports from law enforcement sources, no injuries have been reported at this time other than the suspected shooter, who is believed to have died following the incident.
The situation began Thursday afternoon when authorities received reports of an active shooter near Temple Israel, a Reform Jewish synagogue located on Walnut Lake Road.
Initial information indicated that a vehicle crashed into the synagogue building, which led to a fire and visible smoke at the scene.
Witnesses also reported hearing gunfire shortly after the crash, prompting an immediate and large-scale response from law enforcement agencies across the region.
Emergency alerts issued by the Farmington Hills Police Department warned of an active shooter situation, while the West Bloomfield Police Department confirmed that officers were responding to the scene.
Authorities quickly established a security perimeter around the synagogue and urged residents to avoid the area and shelter in place while officers worked to secure the location.
In a statement, the Jewish Federation of Detroit confirmed that an active security incident was underway at Temple Israel and said Jewish community organizations across the region were placed on precautionary lockdown.
Officials also advised that nearby schools and houses of worship shelter in place as a precaution while the incident was being addressed.
A large multi-agency law enforcement response was deployed to the scene with assistance from several departments.
Authorities said the suspect was later located deceased, bringing the immediate threat to an end. Investigators are continuing to examine the circumstances surrounding the crash, the reported gunfire, and the events leading up to the incident.
Officials are asking the public to continue avoiding the area as investigators process the scene.
The incident remains under investigation, and authorities say additional details will be released as they become available.
