A gunman was killed yesterday after ramming his vehicle into a Reform Jewish synagogue in West Bloomfield, Michigan. After ramming his vehicle into the building, the gunman exchanged gunfire with armed security, who shot and killed him.
Identified as Ayman Mohamad Ghazali, the suspect was born in Lebanon in 1985, moved to the U.S. in 2011, and became a citizen in 2016. At this time, no motive is known, but the suspect may have been influenced by recent unrest in the Middle East.
In response to this attack, Georgia’s congressional lawmakers have united across party lines to denounce senseless violence and pray for the Jewish community.
Reactions
First, Representative Mike Collins (R-GA10) called the attack ‘absolutely horrifying’ and thanked God for the brave security officers who took down the assailant and saved innocent lives.
The attack today at Temple Israel in West Bloomfield, Michigan is absolutely horrifying.
We thank God for the brave security guard who took down the assailant, saving countless lives.
We are praying for the injured guard, those on the scene, and the entire Jewish community at… https://t.co/VlVdQpj7Av
— Rep. Mike Collins (@RepMikeCollins) March 12, 2026
Representative Buddy Carter (R-GA01) denounced the attack. However, he shifted the focus to Democrats, such as Senator Jon Ossoff (D-GA). He blamed them for refusing to fund the Department of Homeland Security and putting Americans at risk.
In a time of rising frequency of attacks against our country, Jon Ossoff voted to shut the Department of Homeland Security down.
Just today, there was an antisemitic attack against a synagogue in Michigan AND an attack against Old Dominion University by an ISIS-linked immigrant…
— Buddy Carter (@RepBuddyCarter) March 12, 2026
Senator Raphael Warnock (D-GA) was horrified to hear of the attack, stating that antisemitism and hate have no place in this country. He offered a prayer for the Jewish community in Michigan.
I am horrified by the attack at Temple Israel synagogue.
I’m praying for the Jewish community in Michigan.
Antisemitism and hate have no place in America. No one should have to walk into their place of worship fearing violence. Our faith communities should always be places of…
— Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (@SenatorWarnock) March 12, 2026
Sen. Ossoff called the attack ‘cowardly’ and ‘despicable,’ and assured that his office was always at the service of Jewish organizations and institutions.
Statement from Sen. Ossoff on Michigan Synagogue Attack pic.twitter.com/01R5RVNlYI
— Ossoff's Office (@SenOssoff) March 12, 2026
