Who was Ayman Ghazaleh, man linked to Temple Israel synagogue shooting in West Bloomfield

Ayman Ghazaleh was reportedly the suspect who rammed an explosive-laden vehicle and opened fire at Temple Israel synagogue, injuring a guard.

Updated on: Mar 13, 2026 4:44 AM IST

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Ayman Ghazaleh, of Dearborn Heights, Michigan, was identified as the suspect in the crash and shooting at the Temple Israel synagogue in West Bloomfield, Michigan early on Thursday. Ryan Grim of Drop Site News identified Ghazaleh as the man who rammed the explosive-loaded vehicle into the synagogue and started shooting, injuring a security guard.

Law enforcement survey the area near Temple Israel following reports of an active shooter on March 12, (Getty Images via AFP)

Grim reported citing a source familiar with the situation that Ghazaleh is from Lebanon and his family in Lebanon was killed in a recent Israeli air strike. He had reportedly shared photos of his family member on WhatsApp stories a day before the shooting. Fox 2 Detroit and Fox News' Bill Melugin also confirmed that Ghazaleh lived in Dearborn and his family was killed in the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

However, as of now, authorities have not officially identified by the suspect involved in the shooting at the synagogue Thursday afternoon. Ht.com could not independently verify Ryan Grim's report.

FBI Says Targeted Attack On Jewish Community

The FBI said Thursday that the attack at the synagogue in West Bloomfield was a "targeted attack on the Jewish community." Jennifer Runyan, the special agent in charge of FBI's field office in Detroit, called the incident "deeply disturbing and tragic."

Also read:Temple Israel update: Michigan authorities suspect 'ISIS tactics'; motive 'mirrors terror guide'

Oakland County Sheriff Mike Bouchard confirmed that the vehicle, loaded with explosives, caught fire after the crash. The suspect alighted the vehicle and started shooting at the synagogue. In a statement, the synagogue said that except the security guard who suffered minor injuries, all other staff and the 140 children in its preschool facility were safe.

President Trump, meanwhile, called the shooting a “terrible thing” and said extended solidarity to the Jewish community in Michigan. "I want to send our love to the Michigan Jewish community and all of the people in the Detroit area following the attack on the Jewish synagogue earlier today," Trump said.

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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