🚨Michigan synagogue attack was act of terrorism inspired by Hezbollah, federal officials say
Federal officials have labeled the March 12 attack at a Michigan synagogue as terrorism inspired by Hezbollah.
Ayman Mohamad Ghazali, a naturalized U.S. citizen from Lebanon, rammed an explosive-laden truck into Temple Israel in West Bloomfield near Detroit. He was armed with a rifle and killed himself after exchanging fire with synagogue security. U.S. Attorney Jerome Gorgon said Ghazali’s attack constituted providing material support to Hezbollah under federal law.
Ghazali lived in nearby Dearborn and worked at a local restaurant. He became a citizen in 2017. His two brothers, members of Hezbollah’s rocket unit in Lebanon, were killed March 5 in an Israeli drone strike. Following their deaths, Ghazali recorded videos about martyrdom and revenge, which he sent to family in Lebanon.
Investigators recovered his phone, which showed months of pro-Hezbollah searches, shootout videos, and coverage of Naim Qassem, Hezbollah’s secretary-general since 2024. Ghazali had also recorded videos in the synagogue parking lot describing his plan to “kill Jews and burn their world.”
He also searched “What time is the Trump rally in Michigan” when researching potential targets.
Temple Israel, Michigan’s largest synagogue, was significantly damaged by fire, though no children, teachers, or staff were injured. A security guard was hospitalized after being struck by the vehicle, and several first responders were treated for smoke inhalation. Officials credited the sprinkler system for limiting the fire.
Gorgon said designating the attack as terrorism highlights the threat to Jewish communities. With Pesach beginning April 1, police plan an increased presence at synagogues, community centers, and other sites to deter potential attacks.
