MCSO boosts patrols at houses of worship after deadly Michigan synagogue attack

PHOENIX — The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office will increase patrols around houses of worship following Thursday’s attack at a Michigan synagogue.

According to a social media post by MCSO, County Supervisor Thomas Galvin requested the enhanced security measures and Sheriff Jerry Sheridan “readily agreed.”

“The sheriff’s office is taking steps to enhance patrol visibility throughout Maricopa County,” the statement read.

The move comes “out of an abundance of caution” after an armed man rammed his vehicle into Temple Israel in West Bloomfield, Michigan, one of the nation’s largest reform synagogues.

“Violence or threats directed at any person or community regardless of faith, are unacceptable,” Sheridan said in the statement. “As Sheriff, my top priority is protecting the safety of the more than 4.6 million residents of Maricopa County, and we will continue working tirelessly to ensure our communities remain safe.”

The sheriff’s office emphasized there is no known or credible threat to Maricopa County at this time.

More details on the Michigan synagogue attack

The attack in Michigan unfolded Thursday morning when an assailant armed with a rifle drove through the doors of Temple Israel and into a hallway, where the vehicle caught fire, according to Oakland County Sheriff Mike Bouchard. None of the synagogue’s staff, teachers or the 140 children at its early childhood center were injured.

“He was traveling with purpose down the hall, from my look at the video,” Bouchard said.

Security personnel engaged the suspect with gunfire. The attacker was found dead inside his vehicle, though authorities said they had not yet determined whether he was killed by security, died by suicide or died another way. Investigators are still working to identify the man and determine a possible motive.

In a statement posted on Facebook, Temple Israel praised its security personnel “who are truly heroes” for neutralizing the gunman.

“Our teachers followed their training and kept the children safe and calm,” the synagogue said.

Synagogues around the world have been on heightened alert since the U.S. and Israel launched military operations against Iran on Feb. 28. The FBI has warned that Iranian operatives may be planning drone attacks on targets in California.

It was the second attack at a house of worship in Michigan within the past year. Last September, a former Marine fatally shot four people at a Latter-day Saints church north of Detroit and set it ablaze.

President Donald Trump said he had been fully briefed on the attack, calling it a “terrible thing.”

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Related

Armed man rammed vehicle into Michigan synagogue and was fatally shot by securityRetired Gilbert fire captain honored after dying from job-related cancerStorms make way into Valley with strong winds, scattered showers causing power outages4-year-old boy dies a month after being pulled from Phoenix apartment poolTucson Police identify, charge mass shooting suspect who left 9 injuredNBA star James Harden among investors bringing Smiling Moose Sandwich Grill to Scottsdale