A peaceful Sunday morning turned tragic in Grand Blanc Township, Michigan, when a gunman stormed a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints during worship, killing one person and injuring at least nine others before setting the church on fire.
According to local authorities, the assailant—identified as a 40-year-old male—rammed his vehicle through the church’s main entrance around 10:25 a.m., then opened fire on the congregation. The motive behind the attack remains under investigation.
Children were reportedly present during the service, amplifying the chaos and panic that followed.
Shooter Killed in Gunfight with Police
Grand Blanc Township Police Chief William Renye confirmed that the suspect engaged in a gunfight with responding officers before being fatally shot. His identity has not yet been released.
“The suspect is deceased, and there is no ongoing threat to the public,” Chief Renye said during a press briefing.
Church Set Ablaze During Attack
Shortly after the shooting began, a fire broke out within the church premises, believed to have been deliberately set by the gunman. The blaze was contained by firefighters just before 1 p.m., but not before the building sustained significant damage from both gunfire and flames.
Emergency responders worked quickly to evacuate survivors and transport the wounded to nearby hospitals. At least three victims remain in critical condition, according to local health officials.
FBI Joins Local Investigation
The FBI has joined local authorities in investigating both the shooting and suspected arson, assisting with evidence collection and witness interviews.
A family reunification center was established nearby to help loved ones locate church members affected by the incident.
The church, located in a residential neighborhood near a Jehovah’s Witness Kingdom Hall, was the scene of a large police and emergency response, with residents reporting the sound of gunshots, sirens, and smoke billowing from the building.
Witnesses Describe Scene of Terror
Survivors described moments of terror as they scrambled to protect loved ones and flee the church.
“People were screaming, children were crying. Some of us tried to help the injured out while others shielded the little ones,” one witness told local reporters.
Paramedics and firefighters were seen carrying wounded victims and administering first aid on the lawn outside the church as smoke poured from broken windows.
Community and National Reactions
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints released a statement expressing deep sorrow over the attack:
“Places of worship are meant to be sanctuaries of peace, prayer, and unity. We are heartbroken by today’s tragedy and extend our prayers to all those affected. We are grateful for the swift response of first responders.”
Former U.S. President Donald Trump addressed the incident on his Truth Social platform, calling it:
“Another targeted attack on Christians,” and urged the country to “pray for the victims and their families.”
He praised both federal and local agencies for their rapid response.
Ongoing Investigation
As of now, the motive behind the attack has not been determined. Authorities have not indicated whether it was religiously or politically motivated, or a personal vendetta.
The names of the deceased and injured are being withheld pending family notifications.
