ISTANBUL

A suspect was shot dead as FBI agents and police responded to reports of an active shooter at the Temple Israel synagogue in the US state of Michigan, media reports said Thursday.

The suspect had rammed the synagogue in West Bloomfield Township, and was found to be in possession of a rifle, a law enforcement official told CNN.

Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard said security personnel at the synagogue engaged the suspect in gunfire upon his arrival. "Nobody at the moment has been confirmed to be hurt, except potentially the shooter," he told reporters.

Michigan State Police said the incident was reported at around 12.30 pm local time (1630GMT) at the synagogue on Walnut Lake Road, with emergency personnel clearing the building.

Bouchard said authorities were still working to determine whether a second person was involved, asking residents to shelter in place within at least 1 mile of the scene "until we figure out exactly what's going on."

The sheriff said he had been receiving and sharing national-level intelligence for nearly two weeks, citing concerns about potential attacks following the start of US-Israeli strikes on Iran. "There was no lack of preparation," he said.

He declined to characterize the incident as terrorism, saying the suspect's identity had not yet been established and the investigation is preliminary.

All Jewish facilities in the area would receive significantly increased police presence, he added.

Schools in the area were evacuated.

FBI Director Kash Patel and Attorney General Pamela Bondi said federal agents were on the scene assisting local authorities.

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer called the incident "heartbreaking," saying the Jewish community "should be able to live and practice their faith in peace."

US Reps. Rashida Tlaib and Haley Stevens expressed solidarity with the Jewish community. "No one should face violence anywhere, especially in a place of worship," said Tlaib.

The Jewish Federation of Detroit said its agencies remained under precautionary lockdown, asking community members to stay away from the area. ​​​​​​​

The New York City Police Department said it was deploying high-visibility patrols to Jewish institutions across the city as a precaution, citing a "heightened threat environment."