Tuesday, March 17, 2026
Welcome to T&M Edge
Fast-moving events can reshape the security landscape overnight – whether oceans away or in our streets. In these times, staying informed is more than an advantage; it is a necessity. That’s why T&M is pleased to launch T&M Edge, a newsletter that delivers timely and actionable insights for busy security professionals like you.
Each edition of T&M Edge will dissect the security consequences of major events, from geopolitical shifts to cyberattacks, from natural disasters to workplace violence.
When we highlight an event or trend in T&M Edge, it’s a heads-up worth your time and attention because exploring security implications today could safeguard your operations tomorrow.
Why T&M Edge?
- Curated Analysis
- Concise Takeaways
- Valuable Insights
- Practical Strategies
- Expert Perspectives
- Best Practices
As we know, staying safe in today’s world takes more than reacting. It requires information/intel, preparation, and action. T&M Edge will help identify patterns and help you plan appropriately. T&M Edge will explore how events at home and abroad may impact your business or community and offer proactive steps to address emerging threats.
We look forward to navigating the future with you.
Remain Vigilant,
George Sax, Chief Security Officer, T&M USA LLC
SYNAGOGUE ATTACK – WEST BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP, MICHIGAN
T&M Edge Perspective:
A Lebanese-born U.S. citizen, said to be the brother of a dead Hezbollah leader, drove an explosives-laden truck into Temple Israel synagogue in suburban Detroit on Thursday, March 12th, and fatally shot himself after exchanging gunfire with security officers.
Some 140 students and staffers at Temple Israel’s preschool were safely evacuated. One security guard was injured after the truck breached the entrance and then burst into flames.
The FBI called the attack “a targeted act of violence against the Jewish community,” and it has prompted extra patrols at houses of worship across the country.
Temple Israel had been proactive in developing an enhanced security preparedness program. Their preparations included: active-shooter and crisis-response training from the FBI’s Detroit Field Office; lockdown drills; physical barriers; surveillance systems; and coordinated plans with local law enforcement. These efforts enabled the staff to execute immediate lockdown and evacuation procedures that moved people away from danger and out of the building.
This outcome demonstrates that layered security measures, staff training, and coordination with law enforcement can significantly reduce casualties and improve response effectiveness during a targeted attack.
T&M recommends the following strategies to increase preparedness and resilience to targeted acts of violence. These plans will help enhance the safety and confidence of congregations, schools, and social gatherings and ensure rapid, coordinated responses to emergencies. An overriding goal: design physical security measures to create multiple defensive layers while maintaining a welcoming environment for students, employees, and visitors.
Threat and Vulnerability Assessments
Conduct comprehensive threat and vulnerability assessments for all faith-based facilities, including mapping vehicle access points, standoff distances, and likely approaches for vehicle or armed attacks. Assessments should also consider behavioral threat management and insider risk, not focusing solely on physical site vulnerabilities. Adopt a policy of updating assessments at least annually or after events that could heighten risk to the organization.
Layered Physical Security
Implement layered physical security at perimeters and entrances, including:
- Comprehensive deployment of bollards or heavy planters at vehicular approaches;
- Reinforced doors and glazing;
- Anti-ram gates and controlled-entry vestibules;
- Clear sight lines so approaching threats can be detected and delayed before reaching occupants.
Security Personnel and Monitoring
Establish a dedicated, trained security posture relevant to services and school hours, integrating professional guards, volunteer security teams, and real-time monitored and AI-enhanced cameras.
Where armed security is considered, consider legal and insurance requirements and community expectations. Coordinate implementation of these efforts with first responders. Security personnel should have clear rules of engagement and immediate communication with first responders.
Encourage congregants, staff, and volunteers to report suspicious activity or surveillance behavior through established channels such as local law enforcement or “See Something, Say Something” reporting programs.
Training and Exercises
Initiate recurring training and exercises for staff, volunteers, students (as appropriate), and educators on active shooter and bomb-threat response protocols, lockdown procedures, shelter-in-place, and rapid evacuation to pre-identified reunification points.
Training should be inclusive and account for people with disabilities, children, and older adults to ensure procedures are applicable for all individuals likely to be present at the location. Regularly drill these scenarios with local police, FBI field office, and contract security personnel, as appropriate.
Access Control and Screening
Well-designed access control can balance security needs with the operating requirements of the facility. Formalize access control and screening protocols tailored to the threat level, including:
- Credentialed entry during elevated risk periods;
- Visitor management procedures;
- Rapid escalation protocols if suspicious behavior, potential surveillance, for example, are detected on or near the property.
Crisis Management and Continuity Planning
Formalize crisis management and continuity planning, including:
- Mass-notification systems (SMS, app-based alerts);
- Family reunification plans for students or attendees.
- Designate spokespersons and pre-approved messaging to reduce misinformation and uncertainty;
- Develop mutual-aid arrangements with neighboring organizations.
Important Limitations
Security upgrades should be designed and implemented by qualified security professionals in conjunction with local authorities. While no security program can eliminate risk, these measures can significantly reduce vulnerability and improve an organization’s ability to respond effectively.
Organizations are encouraged to work closely with local law enforcement, the FBI, and professional security providers to develop site-specific security plans appropriate to their risk profile and community context.
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact T&M USA LLC. 212 422-0000; tmusallc.com; info@tmusallc.com.
NEWS COVERAGE
Israel claims brother of Michigan synagogue attacker was Hezbollah commander
“Israel’s military claimed that the brother of the recent Michigan synagogue attacker was a Hezbollah commander responsible for managing weapons in a unit that has launched ‘hundreds of rockets toward Israeli civilians’.
In a statement posted on X, the IDF claimed that Ibrahim Mohamad Ghazali – brother of Michigan attack suspect Ayman Mohamad Ghazali – was a Hezbollah commander within a specialized branch of the Badr unit. Ibrahim Ghazali ‘was eliminated in an [Israeli air force] strike on a Hezbollah military structure last week’, the IDF’s post said.” TheGuardian
Before recent attack, Michigan synagogue had been bolstering its security
“Temple Israel had for months been strengthening its security apparatus by hiring a seasoned police lieutenant as its security director and holding active shooter training.
That beefed-up security, which came in response to rising antisemitism and other attacks at places of worship, is being credited with saving lives in an event that ended with only the attacker dying.
An armed private security guard shot back at the attacker after he opened fire through his windshield in a hallway inside the building. When the vehicle barreled in, there were 140 students inside an early childhood learning center. All were unscathed.” AP
After Latest Attack, Some Jews Wonder How Much More Security Is Possible
“The Anti-Defamation League counts 19 terrorist plots or attacks motivated by antisemitism or anti-Zionism or targeting Jewish institutions and people in the U.S. since 2020, said Oren Segal, the ADL’s senior vice president of counter-extremism and intelligence. Twelve of those have taken place since July 2024.
Instances of antisemitic harassment, vandalism and assault have increased substantially in recent years, according to the ADL, which recorded more than 9,300 cases across the country in 2024, the latest year such data was available. That was the highest number since records of those incidents began in 1979.” NYTimes
Surveillance footage captures Michigan synagogue suspect buying fireworks days before attack
“Surveillance video obtained by NBC News captured 41-year-old Ayman Mohamad Ghazali, the suspect in the Temple Israel synagogue attack, purchasing over $2,000 worth of fireworks from a Detroit area store just two days before he rammed his car into the synagogue. Authorities say he died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head during a shootout with security officers.” NBCNews
Michigan synagogue attacker was “not stable” ahead of incident, ex-wife told 911 operator
“The caller, who identified themselves as ‘Fatima,’ told dispatch in Dearborn Heights that the suspect, Ayman Mohamad Ghazali, was ‘suicidal.’ She told dispatch that Ghazali recently lost two brothers in an airstrike in Lebanon amid the war in Iran, and she was helping him with funeral preparations.
According to a source within the local Lebanese-American community, Ghazali’s ex-wife called authorities after he told her to take care of his children.” CBSNews