A man of Lebanese descent, who tragically lost four family members in an Israeli airstrike just a week earlier, intentionally crashed his car into a synagogue located outside Detroit. Identified as Ayman Mohammad Ghazali, 41, he proceeded to shoot at the Temple Israel building before engaging in a gunfight with an armed security guard.

Reports suggest that security personnel within the synagogue successfully dealt with the assailant, who later took his own life after his vehicle caught fire and he became trapped inside. Authorities discovered substantial amounts of liquid, believed to be petrol, and fireworks in Ghazali’s car.

It has been disclosed that the suspect’s relatives were among the casualties of the Israeli airstrike in Mashgharah, where four individuals, including Ghazali’s two brothers, a niece, and a nephew, lost their lives. The attack occurred during a meal at their residence at sunset, while celebrating the Ramadan fast-breaking ritual.

Having immigrated to the US in 2011 on a spousal visa, Ghazali obtained citizenship in 2016. Fortunately, no harm came to the synagogue’s staff, teachers, or the 140 children present at the facility during the incident. The FBI described the event as a deliberate act of violence targeting the Jewish community.

Cassi Cohen, the strategic development director at Temple Israel, recounted being near the crash site when the incident unfolded. She swiftly secured her colleagues and sought refuge in her office upon hearing the impact, ensuring the safety of everyone present, including children and staff members as young as four years old.

Cohen expressed gratitude for the preparedness of their team, highlighting the importance of active shooter drills in handling such emergencies.