Surveillance footage obtained by Fox News shows Ayman Mohamad Ghazali, the suspect in the March 12 attack on Temple Israel synagogue in West Bloomfield, Michigan, purchasing over $2,000 worth of fireworks days before the incident. Ghazali, 41, made two separate purchases on March 10 at Phantom Fireworks in Livonia, totaling $2,250.96.
Details of Fireworks Purchases and Store Employee Observations
According to Phantom Fireworks records, Ghazali bought 20 items, including firecrackers, aerial repeaters, and a fountain product. One purchase at 2 p.m. was $1,369.02 and a second purchase at 2:17 p.m. totaled $881.94. Surveillance video reportedly shows Ghazali spending about 45 minutes in the retail showroom, loading fireworks into his vehicle between transactions. Alan Zoldan, Phantom Fireworks’ executive vice president, said Ghazali appeared in good spirits and that the purchases did not raise suspicion. Zoldan noted Ghazali selected products with names like “Military Demolitions” and “Da Bomb,” likely thinking they were stronger and more impactful than they actually were.
Attack Incident and Law Enforcement Findings
On March 12, Ghazali rammed his truck into Temple Israel shortly before 12:30 p.m. local time, then exited with a rifle and fired on security guards. He was fatally shot during a gunfight with armed security. FBI Special Agent Jennifer Runyan confirmed Ghazali had no prior criminal record or FBI investigation history. During the exchange, Ghazali sustained a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. Investigators found large quantities of commercial-grade fireworks and several containers of flammable liquid, believed to be gasoline, in the truck’s bed, some of which were consumed by a subsequent fire.
Context and Official Statements
Dearborn Heights Mayor Mo Baydoun stated Ghazali had recently lost family members in Lebanon from an Israeli airstrike, resulting in two children’s deaths. Baydoun emphasized that this grief does not justify violence or attacks on sacred spaces. All preschool children and staff were safely evacuated during the attack. The incident remains under federal and local investigation.
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