A rabbi at a reform synagogue in Ann Arbor, Michigan, said that while the suspect’s motives remain unclear, the events in West Bloomfield will strengthen the Jewish community’s resolve.

“While this is deeply upsetting and traumatic, regardless if we know anyone in that community or not, when things like this happen, we deepen our resolve as Jews,” said Josh Whinston, of Temple Beth Emeth.

“That is what history has taught us,” he said. “That’s part of why we’ve survived as long as we have.”

Sadly, he added, the incident shows how important security is for the community.

“Thank God they were there,” he said. “It could have been much worse than what it turned out to be.”