The FBI has determined that Hezbollah motivated Ayman Mohamad Ghazali, a naturalized citizen from Lebanon, who drove his car into Temple Israel near Detroit, MI.
“Based on the evidence gathered to date, we assess this attack to be a Hezbollah-inspired act of terrorism, purposely targeting the Jewish community and the largest Jewish temple in Michigan,” announced Jennifer Runyan, special agent in charge of the FBI’s Detroit field office.
“We do not make this characterization lightly without a thorough review and keen evaluation of the facts,” added Runyan. “The evidence shows the attacker was motivated and inspired by Hezbollah’s militant ideologies.”
U.S. Attorney James Gorgon said:
“The terrorist from Hezbollah in 1983 drove a truck loaded with explosives into a building to kill Americans. That is exactly what this terrorist did a few weeks ago in our backyard.””He methodically planned, armed himself, and then drove an explosives-laden truck into a temple filled with American children.”
Gorgon stressed that Ghazali wanted to murder as many Jews as he could:
“Do not be misled. This terrorist acted on behalf of Hezbollah, and he intended to kill others, not just himself.””His death was just a means or a tool to kill as many Jews as he could.”
People tried to justify Ghazali’s actions by pointing out that he lost four relatives in Israeli strikes in Lebanon on March 5.
However, the evidence says that Ghazali planned an attack on Jews as early as January:
Runyan said Ayman Mohamad Ghazali consumed online propaganda, contributed to a Facebook photo gallery labeled “Vengance” and took pains to acquire weapons, fireworks and gasoline and researched Jewish organizations in Michigan to attack.“Although the assailants attack planning and mobilization to violence began in earnest on March 9 … A review of his online activity since January 2026 revealed a reoccurring search history of pro-Hezbollah news channels, Iranian new channels and video about shootouts and bullets,” Runyan said at a news conference Monday, March 30 in Detroit.She said there is no indication that Ghazali had accomplices locally, though the investigation continues.
Ghazali rammed his truck into Temple Israel on March 12, proceeding to speed down the hallway.
“I mean, he was traveling with purpose down the hall from my look at the video,” said Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard at the time.
Officials said Ghazali filled his car with fireworks and gasoline and carried a gun. That could explain how his car caught on fire.
Bouchard confirmed that Temple Israel’s security engaged Ghazali with gunfire before shooting himself.
[Featured image via YouTube]
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