Vice President Vance in Auburn Hills calls Temple Israel attack 'disgusting'

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. (FOX 2) - Vice President JD Vance spoke in Metro Detroit on Wednesday and addressed questions about gas prices, the Iran war and trade relations with Canada.

Vance visited a manufacturing plant in Auburn Hills and delivered remarks about the administration's work combating illegal immigration and Michigan's economy.

After his speech, he started a question-and-answer session with media by talking about the attack on Temple Israel in West Bloomfield last week.

"All of us need to keep these folks in our prayers," he said. "Because when something happens to any member of our American family, and in this particular incident to Jewish members of our American family, it is something we all have to stand up and say it's disgusting, it's unacceptable and we're not going to tolerate it in the United States anymore.

Vance: Attack on Temple Israel 'was disgusting and we're not going to take it anymore'

Vice President JD Vance spoke briefly about the attack on Temple Israel in West Bloomfield during his visit in Auburn Hills.

"Let all the folks from Temple Israel know we are praying for them and thinking about them from President Trump to the vice president and everybody else and we're proud of how you handled this particular situation, it's very tough."

The VP also made special mention of security guard Danny Phillips who was injured in the ambush, getting hit by the gunman's vehicle when it crashed into the synagogue - "calling him the very best of us."

Dig deeper:

VP Vance in Michigan: High gas prices due to Iran war 'won't last forever'

Vice President JD Vance said that the high gas prices are temporary just for the next few weeks.

On gas prices: Vance said other countries, due to their investments in green energy "scams" which had artificially inflated oil prices previous to the Iran conflict.

He added that due to the US pivoting under Trump toward an "energy dominance agenda" and that prices are lower than what they are in other countries.

"Look gas prices are up, we know prices are up and that people are hurting because of it," he said. "And we are doing everything we can to ensure they stay lower. The president said this and I agree with it, this is a temporary blip.

"What happened under the Biden administration is that they were higher for four years. Gas prices are high right now and certainly not as high as they were under the Biden administration at certain times, because of what's going on in the Middle East."

VP Vance says Canada has taken advantage of US

Vice President JD Vance in Michigan Wednesday did not answer a question about the Gordie Howe Bridge but talked about trade with Canada.

On trade with Canada: Vance did not specifically address the Gordie Howe Bridge after being asked about trade relations (and following President Trump's outspoken threats about halting the opening).

"They have allowed us to subsidize their entire military and security, which means we had to foot the bill for that security," Vance said. "We have let so many people take advantage of the United States of America. President Trump said if you are going to apply a tariff to our goods, we're going to apply a tariff to your goods, too. It is basic fairness.

"That's what we've done with Canada. And I think we're going to get to a point where Canada treats our workers fairly and we're going to treat their workers fairly and Canada will be a true ally and friend and not somebody taking advantage of us."

On ICE expansion: Vance was asked about a new ICE facility in Romulus and office space in Southfield - and what he would say to those concerned.

"ICE is trying to get dangerous people out of the United States of America, people who have no legal right to be in the United States of America," he said. "The best thing they can do is go home voluntarily. I always find it weird when congressional Democrats or others say ‘How dare you' (when it comes to)getting illegal aliens, many with criminal records out of the country. How dare we? That's exactly what we should be doing to protect the American people."

Vance was questioned about the aggressive measures by ICE to which he countered that in cities where incidents happened - Minneapolis, Chicago and Los Angeles, political leadership there encouraged a lack of cooperation.

"Now I don't understand that, if I'm living in suburban Minneapolis and I find out I've got a sex offender, illegal alien living three blocks away from me - I'm going to be calling police saying get this person out of my country," he said. "But unfortunately you've got a couple governors and mayors that are going to do everything possible to create civil strife to block immigration enforcement."