‘Heartbreaking’: Whitmer, Michigan electeds denounce attack on Jewish community in West Bloomfield

BY BEN SOLIS, MICHIGAN ADVANCE

MICHIGAN—As federal, state and local law enforcement agencies continue to investigate the motives and the identity of a suspect who rammed a vehicle into West Bloomfield’s Temple Israel and opened fire before being killed by a security officer, Michigan’s elected officials offered prayers, denounced violence and called for an end to intimidation against the state’s Jewish community.

Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard said in a news conference that no children or staff at the temple were harmed in the incident, although a security employee was injured and was seeking treatment. Both the FBI and the U.S. Department of Justice confirmed that its agents, as well as the Detroit branch of the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives had responded to the scene.

As the situation unfolded, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said she was tracking news reports and working with the Michigan Department of State Police to get more information.

“This is heartbreaking,” Whitmer said in a statement. “Michigan’s Jewish community should be able to live and practice their faith in peace. Antisemitism and violence have no place in Michigan. I am hoping for everyone’s safety. Thank you to law enforcement for their swift action.”

US Sen. Gary Peters (D-Bloomfield Township) said his heart was with the families and everyone affected by the violence at Temple Israel.

“I am monitoring the situation, and people should follow the direction of law enforcement. I’m grateful for these first responders for their quick response,” Peters said in a statement. “All Americans should feel safe where they pray, work, and live. Antisemitism has no place in our society and we all must come together to condemn this horrible violence.”

US Sen. Elissa Slotkin (D-Holly) also said she was monitoring the situation, and offered similar offerings of support.

“I am closely tracking the active shooter situation at Temple Israel in West Bloomfield Township—a place I know well,” Slotkin, who is Jewish, said in a statement. “This is another frightening event that is still being cleared. Please continue to follow local law enforcement guidelines and avoid the area — they are actively working the scene. My team and I will continue to be in close contact with law enforcement agencies and local officials.”

Slotkin added: “All communities deserve the right to worship safely. All communities. And acts of terror and antisemitism must be condemned and dealt with to the fullest extent of the law.”

The national Jewish Democrats organization said on social media that it was devastated and deeply concerned about the violence targeting Jews, the latest example now in Michigan.

US Reps. Haley Stevens (D-Birmingham), Rashida Tlaib (D-Detroit), Shri Thanedar (D-Detroit) and Lisa McClain (R-Bruce Township) each responded to the incident with denouncements of violence against the community.

“Before our very eyes, a Temple in West Bloomfield is under attack,” Stevens said in a statement. “Like many of you, I am getting reports in real time. To everyone in Michigan’s 11th district, continue to follow the guidance of local law enforcement. To the Jewish American community in Michigan and beyond, we stand with you.”

Tlaib said the reports were “horrifying.”

“I am praying for the safety of everyone at Temple Israel,” Tlaib said in a statement. “No one should face violence anywhere, especially in a place of worship.”

McClain said that her prayers were with everyone on the ground, as did Thanedar.

“Freedom of religion is a fundamental principle of our country,” Thanedar said in a statement. “No one should feel unsafe in their place of worship.”

Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, a candidate for governor, said the moment was terrifying and a reminder “of our collective responsibility to stand up to hate, and violence in all its forms.

“I am so grateful for the courage and dedication of first responders who are working to keep everyone safe,” Benson said. “As Michiganders, we have a responsibility in this moment to be a light in the darkness, care for one another, and ensure we all work together in unison for a better world.”

US Rep. John James (R-Shelby Township), also a candidate for governor, said he and his wife were praying for the congregation of the temple.

“Synagogues, churches, and all houses of worship must remain sanctuaries of peace, prayer, learning, and community, never targets of violence or fear,” James said. “We reject antisemitism and every form of hate, standing united in faith and resolve to protect Michigan’s sacred spaces and every community from evil.”

State Sen. Jeremy Moss (D-Southfield), who is also Jewish, said he was in contact with local officials.

“We’re living through an incredibly agonizing time in our Jewish community,” Moss said in a statement. “We deserve safety in our synagogues, schools, and everywhere else. This rise in targeted hate and violence is untenable.”

Moss is also running for a congressional seat this year.

Oakland County Republican Party Chair Vance Patrick called the incident a “devastating terror attack,” although law enforcement has stopped short of saying the incident had anything to do with international terrorism.

State Rep. Alabas Farhat (D-Dearborn) called the event “deeply disturbing.”

“Violence against any community of faith is reprehensible and condemned in the strongest terms,” Farhat said. “I am praying for the safety of the children and everyone inside. No one should ever fear for their life while gathered in worship or at school.”

READ MORE: DHS identifies suspect in Temple Israel attack as Lebanese immigrant

This coverage was republished from Michigan Advance pursuant to a Creative Commons license.