Extra police patrols at Leeds synagogues and Jewish schools following Michigan attack
Police in Leeds have increased patrols at the city’s synagogues and Jewish schools, following an attack on a synagogue in Michigan yesterday.
Ayman Mohamad Ghazali, 41, was killed by security after ramming into Temple Israel in West Bloomfield Township near Detroit and driving down a hallway in a vehicle that then caught fire, according to authorities.
The FBI, which is leading the investigation, described the attack on one of the nation’s largest Reform synagogues as an act of violence targeting the Jewish community.
The leader of Leeds City Council, Councillor James Lewis, and the executive member for communities, customer service and community safety, Councillor Asghar Khan, have today (March 13) issued a joint statement to reassure Leeds’ Jewish community following the attack.
They said: “We have been reassured by senior police colleagues that increased patrols are in place at key sites across the city, including synagogues and Jewish schools, with officers providing visible reassurance and engagement with council colleagues and other key partners.
"From a community intelligence perspective, police colleagues are also encouraging the reporting of any suspicious or concerning activity. This will be logged and be reviewed daily by the on-duty NPT Inspector.
"Leeds stands against hatred and violence in all its forms. We will continue working with partners to ensure all our communities feel safe, supported and protected."
About 140 people - 106 children and more than 30 staff - were at the synagogue at the time of the attack, said Cassi Cohen, Temple Israel’s director of strategic development.
None of them were injured, according to Oakland County sheriff Mike Bouchard.