FBI Calls Michigan Synagogue Attack Hezbollah-Inspired Terror Plot

According to Runyan, the assailant conducted searches for pro-Hezbollah information and Jewish targets in Metro Detroit, including Temple Israel.

"He continued his online searches with specific search terms and phrases such as 'the largest gathering of Israelis in Michigan,' 'Orthodox Synagogues,' 'Israelis near me,'" as well as other searches.

Investigators say he bought an AR-style gun, ammunition, and fireworks, as well as dozens of water jugs that he filled with gasoline.

A day before the incident, he made a Facebook album called "Vengeance" and searched for Temple Israel's schedule before deleting it.

Authorities claimed he practiced shooting, made many trips to gas stations to escape suspicion, and loaded explosives into the vehicle.

According to investigators, the attacker remained in the temple parking lot for hours before carrying out the crime, communicating with his sister overseas.

Approximately 10 minutes before the attack, he texted his sister Arabic movies.

He filmed himself claiming, "This is the largest gathering of Israelis in Michigan, the United States." I've booby-trapped the automobile. I'll violently enter and begin shooting them. "God willing, I'll kill as many of them as possible."

Authorities stated the vehicle was loaded with commercial-grade explosives and gasoline to increase the explosion, and it caught fire during the incident, inflicting substantial damage to the structure.

Despite the severity of the attack, no children were injured inside the synagogue, though a security guard was hurt.

Investigators found that Ghazali had viewed online material connected to Hezbollah. This included speeches by Naim Qassem, the group's commander, as well as content related to Iranian calls for jihad.

He also shared photos of deceased family members and Iranian dignitaries, stating, "We will seek retribution for his sacred blood."

Officials reported members of his family were murdered in an Israeli airstrike in Lebanon before the incident, which could have affected his conduct.

Israeli sources said his brother was a Hezbollah commander, but the FBI has not independently validated this claim.

Authorities said there was no indication of co-conspirators, but the attacker was recognized in federal databases for connections to known or suspected Hezbollah militants.

Investigators will look into whether anyone else knew about or helped with the attack, even in a small way. There will probably also be more security around Jewish places of worship and more focus on how police keep an eye on online extremism. In the long run, this case could change how the government deals with similar threats and stops future attacks.