Attack on Michigan temple was Hezbollah-inspired, FBI says
Attack on Michigan Temple Linked to Hezbollah, FBI Reports
The FBI has confirmed that a recent assault on a prominent synagogue in Michigan was inspired by Hezbollah, identifying it as a targeted act of terrorism against the Jewish community. The incident, which occurred on March 9, involved a vehicle ramming and gunfire attack at Temple Israel in West Bloomfield. Ayman Mohamad Ghazali, a 41-year-old U.S. citizen of Lebanese origin, was responsible for the attack, according to FBI Special Agent in Charge Jennifer Runyan.
Attack Execution and Aftermath
Ghazali, who had previously purchased an AR-style rifle, drove his truck loaded with gasoline and fireworks into the synagogue. After exchanging fire with security personnel, he killed himself when his vehicle became stuck inside the building. No other fatalities were reported, though a security guard sustained injuries. A significant fire erupted following the attack, prompting first responders to treat several individuals for smoke inhalation.
“Based on the evidence gathered to date, we assess this attack to be a Hezbollah-inspired act of terrorism purposely targeting the Jewish community,” said Runyan at a news conference.
Preparation and Intent
Hours before the attack, Ghazali sent a video to his sister in Lebanon. The translated message stated, “This is the largest gathering place for Israelis in the state of Michigan in the United States. I have booby-trapped the car. I will forcefully enter and start shooting them. God willing, I will kill as many of them as I possibly can.” Officials believe she viewed the video only an hour after it was sent.
Investigations found no evidence of co-conspirators. Ghazali had been searching for pro-Hezbollah content online since January, but intensified his planning on March 9. He attempted to buy a firearm from two individuals who refused, eventually acquiring an AR-style rifle, 10 magazines, and approximately 300 rounds of .223-caliber ammunition at a gun store in Dearborn Heights.
Context and Motivation
The attack followed a U.S.-Israel strike on Iran, which killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and escalated regional tensions. Hezbollah, a Lebanese-based militant group backed by Iran, has been classified as a foreign terrorist organization by the U.S. since 1997. Israel’s military has conducted airstrikes against Hezbollah, particularly in southern Lebanon.
According to a local Lebanese official and the mayor of Dearborn Heights, Ghazali had lost several relatives in an Israeli airstrike in Lebanon. He also shared photos of his deceased brothers, niece, and nephew online, alongside images of the late Ayatollah Khamenei and Hezbollah’s secretary general, Hassan Nasrallah. A Facebook album titled “vengeance” featured these images and included the Arabic phrase: “burn their world, for we have a vendetta against them, that we will never forget.”
On the day of the attack, Ghazali sent 19 videos, photos, and messages to his sister between 10:34 a.m. and 12:19 p.m., which Runyan described as “reiterated his intent to commit a mass terrorist attack.” He had also called his ex-wife in Dearborn Heights, raising concerns that led her to request a welfare check from police.
Attack Sequence and Materials
Ghazali’s truck traveled approximately 200 feet into the synagogue before he began firing. He later ignited the fireworks while parked in the parking lot. Investigators noted that 35 gallons of gasoline were used to amplify the fire, though no other explosives were involved. The water containers, ordered online and delivered the day before the attack, were filled with fuel and used in the assault.
Runyan highlighted Ghazali’s meticulous preparation, including ordering a magazine pouch and 40 collapsible water containers capable of holding 5.3 gallons each. The total cost of the fireworks purchased the following day was around $2,200.
