Synagogue Attack: Suspect Purchased $2,250 in Fireworks Days Before Ramming Incident
West Bloomfield Township, Michigan – In the days leading up to a targeted attack on Temple Israel synagogue, the assailant, identified as Ayman Mohamad Ghazali, 41, purchased over $2,250 worth of fireworks from a store in Livonia, Michigan, according to surveillance footage and officials at Phantom Fireworks. The incident, which occurred on Thursday, March 12, 2026, involved a vehicle being deliberately driven into the synagogue while a preschool was in session, thankfully resulting in no injuries to the more than 100 children and staff present. The FBI is investigating the attack as a targeted act of violence against the Jewish community.
The purchases, made on March 10, 2026, at a Phantom Fireworks location, consisted of two separate transactions totaling $2,250. The first purchase amounted to $1,369.02 at 2:00 p.m., followed by a second purchase of $881.94 at 2:17 p.m. Ghazali reportedly acquired 20 different firework items, including a variety of firecrackers, aerial repeaters, and a single fountain product. According to Phantom Fireworks, Ghazali told staff the fireworks were intended for leverage at the end of Ramadan.
Investigation Reveals Suspect’s Background and Potential Motives
Ayman Mohamad Ghazali, a resident of Dearborn Heights, Michigan, died following the attack. The FBI initially reported that Ghazali died as a result of a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head, after earlier reports indicated he may have been killed by security personnel. NBC News reports that Ghazali had no prior criminal record, no registered weapons, and had never been the subject of an FBI investigation prior to the incident.
Authorities are currently investigating potential connections between Ghazali and Hezbollah, a designated terrorist organization. Sources indicate that Ghazali’s two brothers were killed in an Israeli airstrike in Lebanon approximately ten days before the synagogue attack, and that these brothers were reportedly members of a Hezbollah rocket unit. The source in the Lebanese American community stated that Ghazali was deeply affected by the loss of his brothers, withdrawing from work and isolating himself. This potential link is being explored as a possible motive for the attack, though authorities have not yet publicly confirmed a definitive cause.
Details of the Attack and Response
On March 12, 2026, Ghazali allegedly drove a pickup truck into Temple Israel in West Bloomfield Township, causing a fire within the building. The synagogue was hosting a preschool with over 100 children in attendance at the time of the incident. Fortunately, no injuries were reported among the children, staff, or first responders. Law enforcement officials discovered multiple gas canisters and consumer mortar tubes within the vehicle after extinguishing the fire, raising questions about the intended use of these materials. It remains unclear whether the fireworks purchased from Phantom Fireworks were utilized in the attack.
The Department of Homeland Security identified Ghazali as a U.S. Citizen born in Lebanon, who legally entered the country in May 2011. The FBI has confirmed Ghazali as the sole assailant in the attack, and the investigation is ongoing.
Community Impact and Ongoing Investigation
The attack on Temple Israel has sent shockwaves through the Jewish community in Michigan and beyond. The incident underscores the ongoing threat of antisemitism and the importance of vigilance in protecting religious institutions. Local and federal authorities are working to determine the full extent of Ghazali’s motivations and any potential connections to extremist groups. The investigation is focused on understanding the sequence of events leading up to the attack and whether Ghazali acted alone or with assistance from others.
Jennifer Runyan, the Special Agent in Charge of the Detroit field office, stated during a news briefing on Friday that the FBI is treating the incident as a “targeted act of violence against the Jewish community.” While, she refrained from speculating on a specific motive while the investigation remains active.
The purchase of a substantial quantity of fireworks prior to the attack has raised concerns about the potential for a more widespread and destructive incident. Authorities are analyzing the types of fireworks purchased and their potential capabilities to determine if they were intended to cause greater harm. The investigation is also examining Ghazali’s digital footprint and financial records for any clues that might shed light on his motivations and planning.
As of March 14, 2026, the investigation remains active and ongoing. Authorities are urging anyone with information related to the attack to contact the FBI. The community is encouraged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to law enforcement.
Next Steps: The FBI is expected to release further updates on the investigation as new information becomes available. A community forum is scheduled for next week to address concerns and provide support to those affected by the attack.
We will continue to update this story as more information is released. Share your thoughts and reactions in the comments below.