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Temple Israel synagogue shooter identified as Ayman Ghazali

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Authorities are continuing to investigate a violent incident that occurred Thursday afternoon at Temple Israel, where a man drove a truck into the synagogue building before being confronted by security personnel.

According to law enforcement sources familiar with the investigation, the individual suspected of carrying out the attack has been identified by some sources as Ayman Ghazaleh, though officials have not yet publicly confirmed the suspect’s identity. Sources also indicated that the vehicle involved in the incident was registered to a naturalized U.S. citizen originally from Lebanon who resides in Dearborn.

The attack occurred shortly after 12:30 p.m. at the synagogue, located near Walnut Lake Road and Drake Road in West Bloomfield Township. Authorities say the suspect drove a truck into the building, reportedly continuing down a hallway inside the facility.

A member of the synagogue’s security team confronted the suspect and opened fire. During the confrontation, the vehicle caught fire and the suspect was pronounced dead at the scene.

According to the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office, the lead member of the synagogue’s security team was struck by the vehicle when the suspect breached the building. The guard was transported to the hospital with injuries and remains under medical care.

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Sheriff Michael Bouchard stated that no congregants, staff members, or children inside the synagogue were injured during the incident.

Henry Ford Health confirmed that eight first responders were evaluated and treated following the incident at both Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital and Henry Ford Providence Novi Hospital.

Authorities have asked members of the public to avoid the surrounding area while investigators continue processing the scene.

In addition, law enforcement agencies have increased patrols and security presence at other Jewish institutions in the region as a precaution.

Federal authorities have also joined the investigation. Kash Patel confirmed that personnel from the Federal Bureau of Investigation were deployed to assist local and state authorities in responding to what officials described as an apparent vehicle ramming and active-shooter incident.

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In the aftermath of the attack, the Jewish Federations of North America issued an advisory urging Jewish organizations across the United States to immediately implement lockout security procedures, restricting entry and exit to buildings as a precaution.

Temple Israel later confirmed in a public statement that all 140 students attending the synagogue’s childhood education center, along with teachers and staff members, were accounted for and safe at the time of the incident.

The synagogue credited its security personnel with confronting the attacker and preventing further harm.

The statement also expressed gratitude to nearby Shenandoah Country Club for providing shelter to students and staff immediately after the incident.

Investigators are also reviewing social media activity believed to be linked to the suspect.

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According to sources familiar with the matter, posts made overnight reportedly included photographs of family members said to have been killed in a recent Israeli strike in the town of Mashghara.

Some posts allegedly referenced relatives—including children and siblings—who were reportedly killed in that strike.

Authorities have not confirmed the authenticity of the posts or whether the events referenced had any connection to the attack in Michigan.

Officials stress that the investigation remains active and that several aspects—including the suspect’s identity, motive, and the presence of possible explosives reportedly seen in the vehicle—are still being examined.

Law enforcement agencies at the local, state, and federal levels continue to gather evidence and interview witnesses as they work to determine the full circumstances surrounding the attack.

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Crime

ROTC instructor killed in Old Dominion University shooting identified as Brandon Shah

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Army ROTC instructor killed in Old Dominion University shooting identified as Brandon Shah suspect Mohammed Jalloh stabbed dead
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Norfolk, Virginia — Authorities have identified the instructor killed during Thursday’s shooting at Old Dominion University as Lt. Col. Brandon Shah, a retired U.S. Army officer who had returned to the university to serve as an instructor with its Army ROTC program.

The shooting occurred at approximately 10:43 a.m. on the university’s campus in Norfolk. Police responded after receiving multiple emergency calls reporting an active shooter inside Constant Hall.

According to law enforcement sources, the suspect—identified by authorities as Mohammed Jalloh—entered the building and walked through the hallway before approaching a classroom where an Army ROTC session was underway.

The suspect reportedly asked individuals inside whether he had arrived at an ROTC class. When someone confirmed that it was, the suspect allegedly opened fire, fatally shooting the class instructor.

Voorhees University confirmed in a public Facebook statement that the victim was Lt. Col. Brandon Shah, noting the tragedy has personal ties to the institution.

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“This tragedy is felt especially close to home for us, as the victim, Lieutenant Colonel Brandon Shah, was the son-in-law of Voorhees University Trustee and alumnus Dr. Dan Martin,” the university wrote in its statement. “We lift Dr. Martin and his family in our thoughts and prayers during this time of unimaginable loss.”

Shah was a native of Staunton and began his military career by enlisting in the United States Army in 2003 as an aviation operations specialist.

In 2005, he enrolled at Old Dominion University, where he later received his Army commission in 2007. Shah graduated with a bachelor’s degree in sociology and a minor in military science.

Following his commissioning, Shah served extensively in Army aviation. According to his alumni profile at ODU, he earned the Army Aviation Senior Aviator wings, logging more than 1,200 flight hours across three different aircraft and accumulating over 600 combat flight hours during his service.

In addition to his undergraduate degree, Shah pursued advanced education, earning an MBA from University of Georgia and a Master of Science in Engineering Management from University of Kansas.

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Throughout his military career, Shah received numerous awards and distinctions. Among them were the Senior Army Aviator Badge, Combat Action Badge, Parachutist Badge, and Air Assault Badge.

His alumni biography also described him as a strong advocate for minority and veteran business education, highlighting his involvement in initiatives that support diversity, inclusion, and entrepreneurship. In addition to his professional work, Shah volunteered his time to assist underserved communities.

Shah returned to his alma mater in summer 2022 to serve as an instructor and help lead the Army ROTC Monarch Battalion at Old Dominion University. In that role, he mentored and trained students pursuing military leadership careers.

University officials and members of the campus community have expressed deep sorrow over his death, remembering Shah as a dedicated officer, educator, and mentor whose service and leadership had a lasting impact on students and colleagues alike.

Law enforcement agencies continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting.

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Authorities have not yet released additional details about the suspect’s motive, and the investigation remains active.


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