The attack occurred at the beginning of March in a synagogue in Michigan, in the northern United States, shortly after the start of the war with Iran, and it reportedly was inspired by “Hezbollah,” a FBI official said on Monday.
“Based on the evidence collected to date, we believe that this attack is a terrorist act inspired by Hezbollah, deliberately targeting the Jewish community and the largest synagogue in Michigan,” said Jennifer Runyan, FBI agent in charge of the Detroit office, during a press conference.
The investigation continues after a man drove his vehicle into the doors of the Temple Israel synagogue, which is described as the largest Reform Jewish synagogue in the United States, in West Bloomfield.
No one was killed in the attack, except for the assailant who committed suicide. However, a security guard was injured and several law enforcement officers had to be treated for smoke inhalation. Over 140 children were inside the synagogue at the time.
The FBI representative explained in detail how the assailant, Ayman Mohamad Ghazali, researched Jewish cultural, religious, and educational centers in the Detroit area while purchasing materials for the attack.
She added that the 41-year-old man had sent a video message to his sister a few minutes before the attack, in which he stated: “This is the largest gathering of Israelis in Michigan, USA. I have rigged the car, I will force my way in and start shooting at them. God willing, I will kill as many as possible.”
During the same press conference, Jerome Gorgon, federal prosecutor for the eastern district of Michigan, stated that Ghazali had acted “under the direction and control of Hezbollah.” Gorgon added, “Terrorist propaganda aims to incite ‘lone wolves’ to act on behalf of the terrorist organization.”
The New York Times reported that Ghazali, born in Lebanon and arriving in Detroit in 2011, had lost two brothers and nephews in an Israeli strike in Lebanon at the beginning of March. Since the outbreak of the war in the Middle East, several terrorist attacks have been reported in the United States. Incidents and anti-Semitic attacks have also increased in recent years.
