The FBI has confirmed that the March 12 attack on Temple Israel in West Bloomfield Township was an act of terrorism inspired by Hezbollah, following a detailed investigation into the attacker’s planning and motives, reports The Jerusalem Post.
The attacker, identified as 41-year-old Ayman Ghalazi, rammed a vehicle filled with fireworks into the synagogue before being killed during a confrontation with security personnel. He was the only fatality in the incident. At the time, a preschool session was underway at the synagogue, but all children and staff escaped unharmed.
According to Federal Bureau of Investigation officials, Ghalazi’s actions were driven by extremist ideology linked to Hezbollah and broader Iranian-backed militant narratives.
Special Agent in Charge Jennifer Runyan said that while the final stages of planning began just days before the attack, a review of the suspect’s online activity dating back to January 2026 revealed sustained interest in Hezbollah, the Iranian regime and violent attacks.
Investigators found that in the days leading up to the incident, Ghalazi researched local synagogues and Jewish institutions, including event schedules at Temple Israel. He searched for terms such as “largest gathering of Israelis in Michigan” and “Israelis near me,” indicating deliberate targeting.
After failing to acquire weapons online, he purchased a rifle, ammunition and magazines from a gun store in Dearborn Heights. He also bought approximately $2,000 worth of fireworks and practised using the weapon at a shooting range.
Authorities said Ghalazi took steps to prepare the attack carefully, including filling containers with petrol by repeatedly visiting gas stations to avoid suspicion. He later used the fuel and torch lighters to ignite his vehicle during the assault.
On the day of the attack, Ghalazi posted anti-Israel and anti-Jewish messages on social media, alongside expressions of personal grief. Shortly before the attack, he sent a message stating his intent to enter the synagogue and “kill as many as possible.”
The FBI also revealed that the suspect had recently lost family members in an Israeli airstrike in Lebanon, which may have contributed to his motivation.
The case highlights growing concerns about lone-actor terrorism influenced by extremist ideologies online. Authorities emphasised that while the attacker acted alone, his radicalisation was shaped by exposure to militant propaganda and political narratives.
The investigation into the incident has now concluded, with officials classifying it as a targeted terrorist attack against a Jewish institution.
Photo credit: REUTERS/REBECCA COOK
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