South Florida law enforcement on high alert following Michigan synagogue attack

Police departments across South Florida are reassuring the community Thursday night that their officers are on high alert following an armed attacker ramming his truck into one of the nation’s largest Reform synagogues in Michigan earlier in the day.

Around 1 p.m., the unidentified man, armed with a rifle, drove his vehicle through a set of doors and into the hallway of Temple Israel in West Bloomfield Township, just outside Detroit, The Associated Press reported. The vehicle caught fire shortly after crashing.

Security exchanged gunfire with the man. He died, but authorities said it’s unclear what killed him.

The FBI considers the crime a targeted act of violence against the Jewish community.

The Miami-Dade Sheriffs Office and police departments in Miami, Aventura and Coral Gables have released similar statements that they are increasing the amount of officers around religious centers.

Here’s what law-enforcement agencies are saying after the synagogue attack and a shooting that killed one person in a classroom at Old Dominion University in Virginia. Several students jumped the shooter and killed him. He pleaded guilty to a terror-related crime in 2016:

Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office

“Today’s shootings in Virginia and Michigan are a tragic reminder of the threats communities across our country continue to face. Out of an abundance of caution, the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office has increased patrols and heightened security measures.”

Coral Gables

“The police department continues to monitor the events in Michigan as well as the rest of the country. The Coral Gables Police Department continues to add additional resources around houses of worship and other places in an effort to continue to ensure the safety of all those attending services. As we continue to monitor events throughout the country and the world, we stand ready to implement any actions or security to enhance the safety of our residents, visitors and worshipers.”

Miami Beach

“The Miami Beach Police Department is aware of reports of an active shooter incident earlier today at a synagogue in Bloomfield Township, Michigan. At this time, authorities in Michigan are still awaiting confirmation of details, and the situation remains under investigation. There is currently no credible threat to the City of Miami Beach or our region. However, out of an abundance of caution, MBPD will continue to heighten security awareness from across the city.”

Aventura

“The Aventura Police Department is closely monitoring the situation in Michigan. Out of an abundance of caution, we have increased patrols around religious institutions throughout our city. The safety of our community remains our top priority. We encourage anyone who sees suspicious activity to report it immediately to the Police Department.”