A lone assailant drove a vehicle into Temple Israel in West Bloomfield, Michigan, on Thursday, ramming through the building and sparking a fire before security personnel confronted and killed him. The FBI now leads the investigation into what authorities call a targeted act of violence against the Jewish community.

Thirty first responders were hospitalized for smoke inhalation. One security team member was struck by the vehicle. All 140 children inside the synagogue's preschool made it out safe.

That last fact is the one that should stop every American cold. A hundred and forty kids, toddlers and preschoolers at the Susan and Harold Loss Early Childhood Center, sat inside a house of worship when a killer came through the wall.

What happened at Temple Israel

Just before 1 p.m. Thursday, deputies with the Oakland County Sheriff's Office, officers from multiple agencies, and the FBI responded to an active shooter situation at Temple Israel on West Walnut Lake Road. KRCR reported that a car rammed into the building, continued down a hallway, and then caught fire.

West Bloomfield Police Chief Dale Young said officers at the synagogue "neutralized" the suspect. Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard said security personnel saw the attacker and "engaged him in gunfire."

The Associated Press reported that the suspect died, citing an anonymous source familiar with the investigation. That source said no one else was reported injured beyond the security team member and the responders treated for smoke inhalation.

The New York Post reported that the Department of Homeland Security identified the suspect as Ayman Mohamad Ghazali, 41, a naturalized U.S. citizen from Lebanon. The Post also reported authorities said the vehicle was loaded with mortar shells.

Sheriff Bouchard, as quoted by the Post, said: "We can't say what killed him at this point."

That detail alone, mortar shells packed inside a vehicle aimed at a preschool, tells you everything about the intent.

Heroes held the line

Temple Israel is the nation's largest Reform synagogue, according to its website. On a normal Thursday, the building teems with children, staff, and worshippers. The synagogue's own security team stood between the attacker and those people.

Newsmax reported that the synagogue released a statement calling the attack what it was:

"Temple Israel was the victim of a terrorist gunman who was confronted and neutralized by our security personnel who are truly heroes."

The lead security guard, the one struck by the vehicle, was taken to a nearby hospital and is expected to recover. Sheriff Bouchard said the guard's condition was expected to be "OK." That man ran toward a car loaded with explosives. He deserves a medal.

Temple Israel officials expressed gratitude for everyone who helped protect their community:

"We are deeply and humbly grateful to our teachers, staff, security, law enforcement, and Shenendoah Country Club that welcomed us, fed us, and sheltered our staff, teachers, children, and parents. What incredible neighbors we have. What incredible police force we have."

Shenandoah Country Club opened its doors to shelter the evacuees. The Jewish Community Center at 6660 W. Maple Road near Drake Road served as the unification point for families.

The FBI takes charge

The FBI's Detroit field office took over the investigation. Breitbart reported that FBI Special Agent in Charge Jennifer Runyan called the incident "a targeted act of violence against the Jewish community" and described it as "a deeply disturbing and tragic incident."

The bureau activated its tip line for anyone with information. A shelter-in-place order was issued for the square mile surrounding the scene but was later lifted.

Michigan State Police asked the public to avoid the area. The Ann Arbor Police Department proactively increased patrols at churches and schools citywide. Ann Arbor officials stated there was "no known threat to the Ann Arbor community" but said the steps were taken "to help ensure the safety and reassurance of our residents."

The Jewish Federation of Detroit asked its agencies to go on precautionary lockdown.

A community that trained for this

Here is a grim detail: Temple Israel held an active shooter training on January 30. That preparation may well have saved lives on Thursday.

Jewish Federation of Detroit CEO Steven Ingber, as AP News reported, said his organization had trained and prepared for exactly this kind of attack. His words carried no surprise, only resolve:

"I'd love to say that I'm shocked, that I'm surprised, but I'm not."

Ingber also said: "We'll get through this stronger and will continue to be loud and proud of being Jewish."

The CEO of the Jewish Federation of Detroit told reporters the community would not bend:

"This will not change us, this will not deter us, and we will continue."

No American should have to "train" for a terrorist attack on their house of worship. But the Jewish community in Michigan did. And that training worked.

Officials respond

President Donald Trump said he had been "fully briefed" on the incident and called it a "terrible thing." He pledged accountability:

"I want to send our love to the Michigan Jewish community and all the people in Detroit, the Detroit area following the attack on the Jewish synagogue early today. It's absolutely incredible that things like this happen."

He added: "We're going to be right down to the bottom of it."

Michigan's elected officials also weighed in. Governor Gretchen Whitmer called the attack "heartbreaking" and said her office was working with Michigan State Police. Attorney General Dana Nessel said her office was closely monitoring the situation and urged residents to follow law enforcement guidance.

Senator Gary Peters said: "All Americans should feel safe where they pray, work, and live. Antisemitism has no place in our society and we all must come together to condemn this horrible violence."

Senator Elissa Slotkin called it "another frightening event" and said: "Acts of terror and antisemitism must be condemned and dealt with to the fullest extent of the law."

This was not random

S1 notes that a similar attack struck a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc Township, Michigan, in September. Five people died in that incident, including the assailant, Thomas Jacob Sanford. Nine others were injured.

Thursday's attack fits a pattern that demands honest reckoning. Key facts law enforcement has established so far:

• The attacker drove a vehicle loaded with mortar shells into a synagogue housing 140 children.
• The FBI labeled the attack a targeted act of violence against the Jewish community.
• DHS identified the suspect as a 41-year-old naturalized citizen from Lebanon.
• Security personnel confronted and killed the attacker before he could reach the children.

Open questions remain. How did the suspect acquire mortar shells? What did intelligence agencies know beforehand? Were there warning signs that went unheeded? The FBI's investigation must answer these questions fully and publicly.

Temple Israel officials closed their statement to their congregation with simple words:

"This note is coming to you before we know anything about our future programming or services, or any investigation. We wanted you to know we are safe, and we love you all."

When armed security guards stand between a car bomb and a preschool, and win, that is not luck. That is preparation, courage, and the refusal to be a soft target. Every house of worship in America should take note.