A major police response unfolded Thursday afternoon after reports of an active shooter at Temple Israel, a synagogue complex in West Bloomfield Township near Detroit that also houses a school.
The emergency alert was issued shortly before 1 p.m. on March 12, prompting a rapid response from multiple law-enforcement agencies. Authorities received reports that an armed individual may have been inside the synagogue and that a vehicle had been driven into the building, according to federal law-enforcement sources.
The synagogue is located at 5725 Walnut Lake Road in West Bloomfield Township, a suburban community about 25 miles northwest of Detroit. Temple Israel is one of the largest Reform Jewish congregations in the region and operates educational programs within the complex.
Police from several agencies quickly surrounded the property. Dozens of police vehicles with flashing lights lined Walnut Lake Road while helicopters circled overhead as officers secured the area.
The West Bloomfield Police Department issued a public alert describing the incident as an “active situation” and urged residents to avoid the area while officers investigated the reports.
The Oakland County Sheriff’s Office confirmed on social media that deputies were responding to what was initially reported as an active shooter incident at the synagogue complex. Additional details about the developing situation were also reported by CNN as federal law-enforcement sources monitored the response.
At the same time, Michigan State Police said troopers across the Second District were increasing patrols at other houses of worship as a precaution while the situation was being assessed.
Witnesses reported seeing a heavy emergency presence outside the synagogue campus, with patrol vehicles arriving from multiple jurisdictions and aircraft hovering above the scene.
Early reports also indicated that a vehicle may have been driven into the building, though authorities had not yet confirmed details about the crash or whether anyone had been injured.
Officials have not yet released confirmed information about a suspect or victims. Law-enforcement agencies said the situation remained under investigation Thursday afternoon as officers worked to verify the initial reports.
Residents were urged to stay clear of Walnut Lake Road and surrounding streets while emergency responders remained at the scene.
Authorities said more information will be released once investigators confirm what occurred at the synagogue complex.
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