Temple Israel suspect naturalized US citizen from Dearborn, family killed in Lebanon strikes: Report

Temple Israel synagogue attack suspect lived in Dearborn and was a naturalized US citizen. His family was killed in Lebanon strikes, Fox News reports.

Updated on: Mar 13, 2026 8:20 AM IST

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As details into the shooting at the Temple Israel synagogue in West Bloomfield, just out of Detroit, Michigan, emerge, crucial details on the dead suspect are coming in.

Oakland County Sheriff Mike Bouchard addresses media as law enforcement respond near Temple Israel following reports of an active shooter on March 12. (Getty Images via AFP)

Initially, Bill Melugin of Fox News reported that the suspect is a naturalized US citizen who lived in Michigan's Dearborn Heights area. Additionally, Fox 2 Detroit reports that the suspect had ties with the Middle East, originally coming from Lebanon. The report added that the suspect's family was killed in a recent Israeli airstrike on Lebanon

The suspect has not been identified yet. According to law enforcement, the suspect rammed a car into the synagogue before opening fire. A security guard at the synagogue was injured and no other injured were reported.

Sheriff Michael Bouchard of Oakland County did not say how the suspect was killed. He confirmed that the security guard at the synagogue engaged the suspect with gunfire. “We can’t say what killed him at this point,” he said.

Also read: Brandon Shah: 5 things about ROTC instructor Mohamed Jalloh killed in ODU shooting; student praised for stabbing suspect

Ayman Ghazaleh Reported As Suspect

Though officials did not confirm the suspect's identity, reports emerged on his name and his the motive behind the shooting. Ryan Grim of Drop Site News reported that the suspect is Ayman Ghazaleh of Dearborn Heights. Ht.com cannot independently verify the claims made by Grim.

“Ghazaleh posted photos overnight of his family members, including young children, who were killed in a recent Israeli attack on the town of Mashghara, Lebanon,” he reported.

Grim also shared the photos that Ghazaleh had purportedly posted on WhatsApp stories the day before the attack.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Shamik Banerjee
Shamik is a journalist covering the United States for Hindustan Times. He has more than four years of experience reporting on US politics, sports, and major breaking stories across fast-moving cycles. He previously worked at Times Now and Sportskeeda, building strong newsroom instincts and digital storytelling skills. At HT.com, he focuses on day-to-day coverage of US political developments while also handling high-impact stories that demand speed, accuracy, clarity, and context under pressure. Shamik has extensive experience covering NFL game days over the past two years, coordinating live updates, analysis, and explainers. He is particularly drawn to large news moments such as US elections and the Super Bowl, where he thrives at the news desk working alongside the team. He holds degrees in Media Studies from Jamia Millia Islamia and English Literature from Jadavpur University. Before entering journalism, he briefly worked in digital marketing and political consultancy roles. Currently a Senior Content Producer at HT Digital, he is driven by curiosity, discipline, and a constant desire to explore new and obscure topics. Outside work, he enjoys reading, films, sports, and learning continuously.Read More

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