‘Chemical agent’ discovered inside synagogue shooter’s truck after he rammed into preschool: Live updates

FBI Detroit led an Active Shooter Attack Prevention and Preparedness (ASAPP) training for the clergy and staff of Temple Israel in West Bloomfield in late January, nearly two months before Thursday’s attack.

‘The FBI course combines lessons learned from years of research and employs scenario-based exercises to help participants practice the decision-making process of the Run, Hide, Fight principles and take necessary actions for survival,’ the agency wrote in a post on X.

‘We appreciate them for having us. Our Division has partnered with many organizations in Michigan and is committed to protecting schools, workplaces, houses of worship, medical facilities, transportation centers, government facilities, other public gathering sites, and communities.’

Oakland Sheriff Mike Bouchard confirmed that one person, the lead security guard for the synagogue, was injured in the attack.

The security guard has not been identified and it is unconfirmed if he attended the training.

‘No kids, this is the important thing, no kids or no staff was injured whatsoever. So we have no victims, other than one of the lead security people was hit by the car and taken to the hospital for treatment. That individual should be okay,’ the sheriff said

Bouchard praised Temple Israel security for their response to the active shooter.

‘I’m deeply proud of the response not only from the security that was on site but also of all the police officers and the firefighters that are here now,’ he said.

‘Training certainly helped to mitigate what happened here today. Everything that was supposed to happen, happened. Security did their job, and then the responders did theirs.’

Noah Arbit, the Michigan state representative who represents West Bloomfield and who is also a member of Temple of Israel, said that the suspect drove into the synagogue and released ‘some sort of explosive projectile’ before exchanging fire with security.

Police sources told Fox 2 that a ‘chemical agent’ was found inside the truck that rammed the vehicle.

Although it is unclear what the agent was, this indicates that some sort of explosive device was inside the suspect vehicle.

The suspect was reportedly burned badly after an explosion went off when the person drove into the building.

Sheriff Michael Bouchard explained that the suspect drove down the hallway of Temple Israel and was engaged by security when something ignited in the vehicle.

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani condemned antisemitism after the Michigan synagogue attack.

‘The attack on Temple Israel in West Bloomfield, Michigan is horrifying. My thoughts are with the congregation and all who are shaken by this act of antisemitic violence. I am continuing to closely monitor the situation,’ he wrote on X.

‘Out of an abundance of caution, the NYPD will continue to deploy high-visibility patrols to Jewish religious and cultural institutions across the five boroughs.’

The security guard injured while intercepting a suspect who drove into Temple Israel is expected to recover, Sheriff Mike Bouchard said.

‘A car came to the facility. Breached the facility by driving in to it. Was engaged by security,’ he said.

‘We have no victims, other than one of the lead security people was hit by the car and taken to the hospital for treatment. That individual should be okay.’

Donald Trump said the White House is sending ‘our love’ to the Jewish community in Michigan after an attack at Temple Israel.

‘Before we begin, I want to send our love to the Michigan Jewish community and all of the people in Detroit, Detroit area, following the attack on the Jewish synagogue early today, and I’ve been briefed, fully briefed and it’s a terrible thing,’ he said at a women’s history event in the East Wing.

Temple Israel released its first statement after a gunman drove into the synagogue on Thursday.

‘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,’ Temple Israel wrote on social media.

‘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.

‘We are deeply and humbly grateful to our teachers, staff, security, law enforcement, and Shenendoah Country Club that welcomed us, fed us, and sheltered our staff, teachers, children, and parents. What incredible neighbors we have. What incredible police force we have.

‘This note is coming to you before we know anything about our future programming or services, or any investigation. We wanted you to know we are safe, and we love you all.’

Sources told CNN the suspect’s body was badly burned in the vehicle explosion, which may make it more difficult to identify the person.

Sheriff Michael Bouchard explained that the suspect drove down the hallway of Temple Israel and was engaged by security when something ignited in the vehicle.

The FBI and local officials have scheduled their next press conference for 6pm ET.

‘The FBI Detroit Field Office, West Bloomfield Police Department, Oakland County Sheriff’s Office, and other law enforcement agencies will be holding a press conference at the West Bloomfield Police Department at 6pm ET,’ the FBI wrote on X.

‘Federal, State, and Local agencies will be providing updates regarding the critical incident at the Temple Israel synagogue.’

Sheriff Michael Bouchard explained how the suspect rammed his car into Temple Israel and drove down the hallway.

‘He drove in through doors with a vehicle,’ Bouchard said. ‘He breached the building, drove down the hall and he was engaged by security.’

Bouchard added that authorities are searching the vehicle for explosive devices.

‘Something ignited in the vehicle. We’re clearing the vehicle for IEDs or any explosives. We have a significant number of bomb dogs on site, bomb techs on site,’ he said.

Sheriff Michael Bouchard confirmed that one person, the lead security guard for the synagogue, was injured in the attack.

‘No kids, this is the important thing, no kids or no staff was injured whatsoever. So we have no victims, other than one of the lead security people was hit by the car and taken to the hospital for treatment. That individual should be okay,’ he said.