THE SUSPECT accused of ramming a vehicle into a Michigan synagogue and opening fire on Thursday has been shot dead.

Terrifying images from the scene show dozens of police vehicles while a fire billows with black smoke above the synagogue.

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Smoke rises from the building after an active shooting incident was reported at the Temple Israel Synagogue in West Bloomfield
Temple Israel is a synagogue with a preschool and large congregation in MichiganCredit: Reuters
 

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Several law enforcement agencies have responded to the areaCredit: AFP
 

Map showing the location of Temple Israel Synagogue in West Bloomfield, Michigan.
The suspect – equipped with a rifle – was killed by security, according to the Associated Press.

The incident took place at Temple Israel, the nation’s largest Reform synagogue in West Bloomfield, Michigan at around 12:30pm Thursday.

Police said no injuries have been reported other than “one of the lead security people,” who was hit by the car and quickly rushed to hospital.

The sheriff confirmed the guard “should be ok.”

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The Jewish Federation of Detroit urged all Jewish organizations – including schools and places of worship – in the area to go into “lockout protocol”.

The shelter-in-place order was later lifted at 3.40pm.

“It appears at least one individual came to the temple, security saw him, engaged him in gunfire,” Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard said, per ClickOnDetroit.

“The scene, we’re not getting any active stimulus at the moment. We have everything here that we need, including medics and tactical gear.”

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According to police, the suspect’s car also caught fire and bomb dogs are now on the scene to clear the vehicle.

Bouchard said everyone has now been moved out of the school and that parents could pick up their children at the Jewish Community Center.

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Police said the gunman was dead following the attack on the Temple Israel synagogue in West BloomfieldCredit: AFP
 

Emergency personnel respond to an incident at Temple Israel synagogue in West Bloomfield
FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed FBI agents are on the sceneCredit: Reuters
The Oakland County Sheriff’s Office confirmed on Facebook that multiple agencies responded to “reports of an active shooter.”

“Emergency personnel clearing the building,” the sheriff’s office said.

Temple Israel released a statement late Thursday afternoon, confirming “everyone is safe.”

“All 140 students in our Susan and Harold Loss Early Childhood Center, our amazing staff, our courageous teachers, and our heroic security personnel are all accounted for and safe,” the statement read.

“As you have no doubt heard, Temple Israel was the victim of a terrorist gunman who was confronted and neutralized by our security personnel who are truly heroes.

“Our teachers followed their training and kept the children safe and calm.”

Temple Israel said they do not yet have information to share about “future programming or services, or any investigation.”

In the meantime, Michigan State Police asked community members to stay away from the area.

A member of the synagogue who was not present at the time of the incident told ClickOnDetroit she believes preschool was in session.

FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed agents are on the ground responding to “the apparent vehicle ramming” after videos circulated on X showing armed agents.

“Troopers are also increasing patrols at other places of worship in the district,” the state police said on X.

“We are aware of a security incident at Temple Israel. We are advising all Jewish organizations to go into lockout protocol – nobody in or out of your building,” The Jewish Federation of Detroit said in a statement.

“Michigan’s Jewish community should be able to live and practice their faith in peace. Antisemitism and violence have no place in Michigan. I am hoping for everyone’s safety,” Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said in a statement on X.

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The situation comes just months after 40-year-old Thomas Sanford crashed a car into a Michigan church before opening fire and setting the place alight.

The harrowing incident left five parishioners at a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints chapel dead.

Emergency personnel respond to an incident at Temple Israel synagogue in West Bloomfield
Emergency personnel quickly responded to the active shooter threatCredit: Reuters
 

Smoke rises from the building after an active shooting incident was reported at the Temple Israel Synagogue in West Bloomfield
Smoke was seen coming out of several areas of the buildingCredit: Reuters