Two dead, more fatalities expected from fire in Michigan Mormon church shooting
On Sunday, a shooting adn fire occurred at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc, Michigan. A 40-year-old male suspect drove his vehicle into the church during a service attended by hundreds, then opened fire on attendees, killing at least two people and injuring several others, some critically. The suspect also deliberately set the church on fire; the blaze has been contained, but authorities expect to find more victims inside. The shooter is deceased, and police are investigating his background, wiht over 100 federal agents, including the FBI and ATF, assisting at the scene. Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer and various officials condemned the attack, emphasizing the tragedy of violence in a place of worship. The incident follows the recent death of Russell M. Nelson, the LDS Church’s oldest leader. Authorities continue to investigate,and public safety measures have been heightened at religious sites nationwide.
Two dead, more fatalities expected from fire in Michigan Mormon church shooting
A shooter at the Church of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc, Michigan, killed at least two people and injured multiple other victims on Sunday. The gunman is now deceased, according to local police.
Police said there is no threat to the public at this time. The church building was on fire, and authorities now say the blaze is contained. They expect more victims to be found at the site where the fire erupted.
Grand Blanc Police Chief William Renye said a 40-year-old male suspect drove his vehicle into the church’s front doors Sunday morning, where “hundreds” of people were attending service. Law enforcement were dispatched at 10:25 a.m. The suspect exited his vehicle and opened fire on attendees. One person was announced dead at the church, another was announced dead at a nearby hospital. Eight victims are now hospitalized. At least some of those hospitalized are in critical condition.
Renye said it is believed the church’s fire was started “deliberately” by the suspect, and believes victims who were not able to escape will be found there.
Police engaged with the shooter, who is “no longer with us.” Renye said the next steps will be to issue search warrants on the suspect’s residence to find out more about him, and more information about this shooting will be provided at 5 p.m. today.
“My heart is breaking for the Grand Blanc community. Violence anywhere, especially in a place of worship, is unacceptable. I am grateful to the first responders who took action quickly. We will continue to monitor this situation and hold the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Grand Blanc close,” Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D-MI) said on X.
FBI agents have been dispatched to the scene, according to FBI Director Kash Patel. Reyne said over 100 federal agents are expected.
“We are tracking reports of the horrific shooting and fire at an LDS church in Grand Blanc, Michigan. @FBI agents are on the scene to assist local authorities. Violence in a place of worship is a cowardly and criminal act. Our prayers are with the victims and their families during this terrible tragedy,” Patel said on X.
Attorney General Pam Bondi also condemned violence in a place of worship, calling it “chilling.”
“I am receiving briefings about what appears to be a horrific shooting and fire at an LDS church in Grand Blanc, Michigan. @FBI and @ATFHQ agents are en route to the scene now. Such violence at a place of worship is heartbreaking and chilling. Please join me in praying for the victims of this terrible tragedy,” Attorney General Pam Bondi said on X.
President Donald Trump said he had been briefed on the attack and called it “yet another targeted attack on Christians in the United States of America.”
Police directed the public to avoid the area, and several reunification sites were established.
New York City police also put out a statement, saying they would increase law enforcement presence at religious institutions following the attack.
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Grand Blanc’s city and township has a combined total of 47,500 people, and is located north of Ann Arbor and Detroit.
Sunday’s shooting comes only a day after Russell M. Nelson, the oldest president of the LDS Church, died at 101.
This is a breaking news story and will be updated.
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