WEST BLOOMFIELD, Mich. (VINnews) – Authorities responded Thursday to an active shooter situation at Temple Israel, a Reform synagogue on Walnut Lake Road, after a truck crashed into the building and caught fire, producing visible smoke.

Michigan State Police said the crash appeared intentional. Sheriff Mike Bouchard said the synagogue and its school have armed security, and those guards engaged the suspect, neutralizing him. Miraculously, no congregants were injured. One security guard was hurt by the vehicle during the incident.

Thursday is a food pantry day, which normally draws many visitors. Police sources said the building houses a large congregation. A massive police and fire department presence remains on site. Bloomfield Township schools have gone into secure mode, and the Jewish Federation of Detroit has ordered local Jewish organizations to implement lockout protocols. Authorities are urging the public to avoid the area.

Temple Israel calls itself the nation’s largest Reform synagogue, with 12,000 members. according to its website. It has an early childhood education center and offers educational programs for families and adults.

The website says the synagogue is “passionate about helping Jewish communities across the globe” and that its mission is to “create a community building through the lens of Reform Judaism.”

This remains a developing story.

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— Governor Gretchen Whitmer (@GovWhitmer) March 12, 2026

FBI personnel are on the scene with partners in Michigan and responding to the apparent vehicle ramming and active shooter situation out of Temple Israel Synagogue in West Bloomfield Township, Michigan. @FBIDetroit

— FBI Director Kash Patel (@FBIDirectorKash) March 12, 2026