Auburn Hills, MI — Vice President JD Vance spoke in Auburn Hills Wednesday, March 18, and addressed the recent attack at Temple Israel in West Bloomfield and calling for unity in the wake of the incident.
Vance pointed out that the synagogue is located just minutes from where he was speaking, underscoring how close the violence hit to home for many in the region.
“When something happens to any member of our American family — and this particular incident happened to Jewish members of our American family — it is something that all of us have to stand up and say: it’s disgusting, it’s unacceptable, and we’re not going to tolerate it in the United States of America,” Vance said.
VIDEO
He added that national leadership, including the President and Vice President, are keeping the victims and congregation in their thoughts and prayers, emphasizing support for those impacted.
The Vice President also highlighted the resilience shown by the Temple Israel community in the aftermath of the attack, noting the strength it takes to move forward following such an incident.
During his remarks, Vance took time to recognize one individual he described as a hero — a security guard who stepped in during the attack to protect others.
According to Vance, Danny Phillips, a police veteran working security at the synagogue, was injured while shielding members of the congregation.
“Danny Phillips was one of the heroes that day,” Vance said. “He was injured protecting the people in that community.”
Vance asked the audience to keep Phillips in their prayers and acknowledge his actions, calling him “the very best of this country.”
“Sometimes you see the very best on our worst days,” he added.
The attack at Temple Israel has left the local Jewish community shaken, with officials continuing to condemn antisemitic violence and call for accountability.
Vance’s remarks reinforced a broader message, that an attack on one group of Americans is an attack on the nation as a whole, and that such acts will not be tolerated.
Discuss this on our Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/share/r/18XfCUtupL/