Overview
- The Department of Homeland Security identified the attacker as Ayman Mohamad Ghazali, 41, a Lebanese-born U.S. citizen.
- The FBI said Ghazali suffered a self-inflicted gunshot wound during an exchange of fire with synagogue security and was the only fatality.
- The assailant drove a truck through the synagogue’s doors, and the vehicle fire produced heavy smoke that sent about 63 first responders for treatment.
- Temple Israel reported all 140 preschool children and staff were safely evacuated, while the security director struck by the vehicle was hospitalized and is expected to recover.
- Investigators are searching the vehicle and building for explosive materials as area Jewish institutions maintain heightened security; a final motive has not been announced.