Safety & Unity. Michigan attack Wink News Rabbi Yitzchok Minkowicz & Rabbi Kasriel Shemtov Chabad

News, a synagogue [music] in near Detroit housing an early childhood learning center was targeted in an attack today. Within the last 20 minutes, authorities identified the suspect as 41-year-old Amine Mohammad Ghazali, born in Lebanon. Law enforcement rushed to the scene and say Ghazali rammed a car into the synagogue, which sparked a fire. He got out of the vehicle with the rifle and was shot by a synagogue security member. Ghazali later died. He came to the US in 2011 on an immigration visa as the spouse of a US citizen. The FBI says it was a targeted act of violence against the Jewish community. This is a tough time. It is a tough time, but we will get through this. We will get through this together. We will get through this stronger. Law enforcement sources say mortar-type explosives were also found in Ghazali's vehicle. Uh back here in Southwest Florida, faith leaders say they're focused on keeping their community safe while also also spreading a message of unity. WINK News reporter Haley Jacobs is live outside Chabad uh Chabad Lubavitch, excuse me, of Southwest Florida with how local leaders are responding to the Michigan tragedy tonight. Yeah, Emma, you can see behind me the gates are locked at Chabad Lubavitch of Southwest Florida, but that's part of normal security here. Rabbi Minkowicz tells me they're in close contact with the Lee County Sheriff's Office to keep their worshipers safe. Those safety measures are top of mind tonight following the deadly attack. Wow, like what's going on? >> [laughter] >> What is going on here? Mhm. I mean, like really? America? Michigan? Like why? The news from Michigan left local rabbis shocked, but unfortunately, Rabbi Yitzchok Minkowicz says he's not surprised. >> Unfortunately, this has been going on from the world was created. There's always been strife and conflict and people angry and upset. >> But rather than living in fear, our job is to double up love, happiness, peace. Come to pray, not to be afraid cuz the last thing you can do is be afraid. Because the minute you're afraid, then the terrorist won. Well, he wouldn't go into detail about security measures for their own safety. He says protecting worshipers is always a priority. Church safety expert James Howard says preparation and a clear plan can help protect everyone if an attack happens. We have everybody get down in the church, lock the doors, barricade the doors, contact local law enforcement, get them on the way. And of course, if you have armed safety team members like this synagogue did, you confront the shooter. While safety remains top of mind, Jewish leaders say their message tonight is about unity. We just stand strong and be there each one should be there for each other from all walks of life. Everyone should be together, united and you know, for the right thing.