US Citizen of Lebanese Origin Linked to Deadly Synagogue Incident

Clear Facts

• 41-year-old Lebanese-born Ayman Mohamad Ghazali rammed a vehicle into Temple Israel synagogue in West Bloomfield, Michigan around 12:30 p.m. local time.
• Ghazali exited the vehicle armed with a rifle and was shot dead by synagogue security guards.
• He entered the U.S. May 10, 2011 on an IR1 spousal visa via Detroit airport and gained citizenship February 5, 2016.
• Motive tied to family members killed earlier this month in an Israeli strike on their Lebanese home.
• One security guard struck by the truck; around 30 officers treated for smoke inhalation.
• All preschool children and staff safely evacuated from the premises.

A Dearborn Heights resident, Ghazali targeted the Reform Jewish synagogue after personal losses in the Lebanon-Israel conflict.

This incident highlights immigration pathways established during the Obama administration granting entry to spouses of citizens.

Dearborn Heights Mayor Mo Baydoun said, “Earlier today, we learned that the individual responsible for the incident that took place at Temple Israel Synagogue in West Bloomfield was a resident of Dearborn Heights. He died at the scene.”

Baydoun added, “Earlier this month, he lost several members of his own family, including his niece and nephew, in an Israeli attack on their home in Lebanon.”

The Department of Homeland Security confirmed to investigators, “The tragic attack on Temple Israel synagogue in West Bloomfield, Michigan was carried out by Ayman Mohamad Ghazali.”

Full report

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