Even as the nation learned shocking details of an apparent terror attack on a Michigan synagogue on Thursday, news spread of the heroic actions of an armed security guard who protected Jewish worshipers from harm.
The frightening incident exploded at around 12:30 p.m. at Temple Israel in West Bloomfield Township. The suspect apparently rammed his vehicle into the front doors of one of the nation’s largest Reform synagogues.
And it was good guys with guns who ended the threat.
Many Jewish organizations are prepared to defend themselves with lethal force
Federal officials believe 41-year-old Ayman Mohamad Ghazali attacked the house of worship as a “targeted act of violence against the Jewish community.” Violent attacks on people because of their faith have no place in American society, and these institutions have spent considerable time and effort in recent years to shore up their security.
This could have been a mass casualty event, but the synagogue employed armed guards to protect worshipers. One was struck by the vehicle as it plowed into the building and was treated at an area hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.
No other casualties were reported.
Armed security guards immediately confronted and ‘neutralized’ the threat
Meanwhile, gunfire from the defenders saved the day. West Bloomfield Police Chief Dale Young told reporters that the officers “engaged the individual and neutralized the threat.”
The investigation continues, and it is unclear how much more destruction the suspect intended to inflict on the congregation. What is clear is that many innocent lives could have been lost without armed defenders protecting the synagogue.
Even the most rabid anti-gunners will struggle to blame the Second Amendment for this apparent terror incident. What they should do is recognize the incredible value of having good people ready with firearms to protect others.
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