WEST BLOOMFIELD, Mich. — Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer visited West Bloomfield Friday to review the investigation into an attack at Temple Israel, where a man drove a vehicle into the building while more than 100 young children were inside.

Whitmer described the incident as a clear act of anti-Semitism. “Parents bring their children to daycare and school, expecting a place of peace, unity, light and life. This attack was hate, plain and simple,” she said.

Joined by Sen. Elissa Slotkin, Whitmer urged residents to speak out against anti-Semitism and reduce divisive rhetoric. “We must lower the rhetoric in our state and across the country, especially now as attacks on the Jewish community are rising,” she said.

Authorities continue to investigate the motives and circumstances of the incident, which prompted a significant police and emergency response at the Reform synagogue.