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Michigan synagogue attack: Synagogue director credits Houston ties for attack response
The executive director of the Michigan synagogue targeted in Thursday's attack has Houston ties. He tells FOX 26's Angie Rodriguez why he credits his Texas background for him navigating the attack.
HOUSTON - An attack on a Michigan synagogue on Thursday has revealed a local connection to the Houston community.
Michigan synagogue attack: Executive Director says Houston police training helped with crisis
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New details on Michigan synagogue attack
FOX's Olivianna Calmes joined FOX 26 Houston with new information on Thursday's attack at the Temple Israel synagogue in Michigan, including what officials are now saying about the suspect's cause of death.
What we know:
On Thursday afternoon, a suspect, identified as 41-year-old Ayman Mohamad Ghazali by the Department of Homeland Security, rammed a vehicle into the Temple Israel synagogue and opened fire with a rifle.
In an update on Friday, officials shared that Ghazali fatally shot himself during a gunfight with security.
One security guard was injured, and 30 officers were treated for smoke inhalation, according to officials. No children or staff members were harmed.
Temple Israel attack: Gunman fatally shot himself in head during gunfight with security
Law enforcement officials revealed more details of a gunman's attack on Temple Israel of West Bloomfield, the largest Reform synagogue in North America Thursday.
Houston ties to Michigan synagogue
What they're saying:
Jason Plotkin, the Executive Director of Temple Israel in West Bloomfield, is a Houston native who credits his previous experience in Texas to having helped him navigate the crisis.
Plotkin, who previously served as the Program Director at Congregation Emanu El in Houston, says his time in Texas prepared him for this moment. He cited his experience during Hurricane Harvey as a key factor in his ability to "pivot" and remain calm during the disruption.
"Our security, as was put into place at our temple, was executed at a high level, and that’s what kept us safe," Plotkin said.
He also noted that the training provided by the Houston Police Department during his time at Congregation Emanu El was instrumental in the successful execution of safety protocols during the Michigan attack.
In Harris County
Local perspective:
Following the attack, local law enforcement agencies, like Harris County Precinct 1 Constable Alan Rosen, say they're increasing security around local places of worship.
Rosen says he plans on having a higher presence of parked patrol cars near faith-based organizations, but he also urges the millions of residents of Harris County that if they "see something, say something."
What's next:
Plotkin says despite the damage to their building, Temple Israel is continuing services at alternative locations. He says he's grateful for the outpouring of support from both the local Michigan community and his former neighbors in Houston.
"I've heard from a lot of folks down there in Texas, reaching out and sending love up to us in Michigan," Plotkin said. "We're just grateful for the support."
The Source: The Department of Homeland Security, and Jason Plotkin, the Executive Director of Temple Israel.