WATCH: Aerial Footage Shows Massive Police Presence at Temple Israel in Metro Detroit After Reports of Active Shooter
Law enforcement agencies are responding to an active shooter situation at Temple Israel synagogue in West Bloomfield Township, Michigan, Thursday afternoon, FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed.
Patel said FBI agents are on scene responding to what he described as an "apparent vehicle ramming and active shooter situation" at the synagogue. Local police from both Farmington Hills and West Bloomfield are also on scene, and authorities are additionally responding to a report of a fire at the same location.
Temple Israel is one of the largest Reform Jewish congregations in the country, with approximately 3,500 families and 12,000 members. The synagogue also operates a preschool on its grounds.
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Aerial footage circulating on social media shows a massive law enforcement presence surrounding the property, located approximately 40 miles northwest of downtown Detroit.
@wxyzdetroit Video from Chopper 7 showed a massive police response at Temple Israel in West Bloomfield after a report of an active shooter. WXYZ has several crews on the way to the scene and you can see the latest updates on WXYZ.com
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Bloomfield Hills schools have been placed in secure mode as a precaution, though police say there are no known threats to the schools themselves. Michigan State Police say troopers are also increasing patrols at other places of worship across the district.
Michigan Senate Majority Whip Mallory McMorrow urged residents to stay away from the area and follow directions from first responders.
Members of the congregation have gathered outside the police perimeter, anxiously awaiting news about those inside, including children enrolled in the synagogue's preschool program.
This story is still developing.