The attack on Temple Israel in West Bloomfield, Michigan, on March 12 was a terror attack, inspired by the Hezbollah terror organization, the FBI announced on Monday, following an investigation that lasted just over two weeks.
41-year-old Ayman Ghalazi filled his truck with fireworks before ramming it into Michigan's largest synagogue around midday on March 12. He then killed himself during a gunfight with security guards. The attacker had purchased $2,000 worth of fireworks from a Detroit-area shop two days prior to the attack.
Ghalazi was the only person killed in the attack. The synagogue's preschool was in session that day, and all students and staff escaped safely.
Investigation reveals the details of terrorist's internet activity and material preparations before attack
FBI Special Agent in Charge Jennifer Runyan confirmed in a Monday press briefing that Ghalazi was motivated and inspired by Hezbollah's militant ideology. What is more, although his practical planning of the attack began in earnest on March 9, a thorough review of his online activity as far back as January 2026 revealed a keen interest in Hezbollah, the Iranian Islamic regime, and gun violence.
Three days before the attack, Ghalazi began looking at the websites of local synagogues and attempting to purchase weapons online. Unable to find a willing seller online, he purchased a rifle at a brick-and-mortar gun store in Dearborn Heights, along with 10 rifle magazines and ample ammunition.
That evening, Ghalazi continued his research into multiple Jewish religious centers in the area, and looked into upcoming events at Temple Israel. This continued into the early hours to the following day, March 10, during which time he began using specific search terms such as, "the largest gathering of Israelis in Michigan," "Orthodox synagogues," and "Israelis near me," Special Agent Runyan told reporters.
In the afternoon of March 10, Ghalazi visited a nearby shooting range to practice using the newly purchased rifle before going to pick up $2000 worth of fireworks from a local seller.
Runyan described several more hours of Ghalazi's online preparation for the attack, noting that he posted anti-Israel and pro-Hezbollah propaganda.
She also told reporters that Ghalazi filled his truck's gas tank four times in one day in order to fill plastic water jugs with gasoline without appearing suspicious. During one of these gas station runs, he also purchased two torch lighters, which he used along with the gasoline to light his truck on fire during the attack.
Runyan added that, just before his last trip to get gas, the night before the attack, Ghalazi searched: "What time is lunch at Temple Israel?"
On the morning of the attack, Ghalazi continued to post anti-Jewish and anti-Israel statements on social media, as well as many posts mourning his deceased family members and stating intent to avenge their deaths.
"There is no need to learn Hebrew anymore," he wrote in one of the posts. He also sent several messages to his sister confirming his Hezbollah-inspired ideology and making plain his intent to commit a terror attack.
Runyan showed reporters several screenshots of texts, videos, and photos that Ghalazi posted on social media and sent to his sister that morning.
About ten minutes before the attack, Ghalazi sent his sister a final message, saying, "This is the largest gathering place for Israelis in the state of Michigan in the United States. I have booby-trapped the car. I will forcefully enter and start shooting at them. God willing, I will kill as many of them as I possibly can."
During that time, he also spoke briefly with his ex-wife, who then called the Dearborn Heights police department and requested that they do a welfare check on Ghalazi.
Ghalazi then rammed his car into the doors of the synagogue.
Terrorist lost brothers, nephews in IDF strike
Ayman Ghazali immigrated to the US from Lebanon and became a naturalized citizen in 2016. He had recently lost two brothers and two nephews in an IDF airstrike in Lebanon, according to Reuters.
Dearborn Heights Mayor Mo Baydoun said in a statement that the suspect had lost a sibling, a niece, and a nephew.