One person was dead and nine others were injured after a gunman drove his car into a Mormon church in Michigan during a service that attracted hundreds of people and opened fire, police said.
The shooting broke out at the Church of Latter Day Saints in Grand Blanc Township, about 50 miles north of Detroit, at 10:25 a.m. Sunday, Grand Blanc police said.
The suspected gunman was a 40-year-old man who rammed his car through the front doors of the church, Grand Blanc Township Police Chief William Renye said during a press conference. Authorities have not identified the suspect.
After crashing through the building, the gunman opened fire on the hundreds of people, including children, gathered inside the church. A fire broke out soon after, though it was not immediately clear how. Authorities say they suspect the gunman started the blaze, which was under control just before 1 p.m.
Authorities said the gunman was dead and that there was no ongoing threat to the public. A motive was not known, and authorities warned there may be more victims.
FBI agents are on the scene helping local authorities in the response.
A reunification center was set up near the church, which is located near residential areas and a Jehovah’s Witness church in Grand Blanc.
Watch: Authorities provide update to shooting at Mormon church in Michigan
President Trump briefed on shooting
President Donald Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform that he had been briefed on the shooting.
“The FBI was immediately on scene, and will be leading the Federal Investigation, and providing full support to State and Local Officials,” Trump began his post.
Trump continued: “The suspect is dead, but there is still a lot to learn. This appears to be yet another targeted attack on Christians in the United States of America.”
“The Trump Administration will keep the Public posted, as we always do. In the meantime, PRAY for the victims, and their families. THIS EPIDEMIC OF VIOLENCE IN OUR COUNTRY MUST END, IMMEDIATELY!” he wrote.
Suspect identified as 40 year old male, now deceased
Authorities said a 40-year-old male drove a vehicle through the front doors of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc.
The suspect then exited his vehicle and started firing several rounds at individuals inside the church.
It was not immediately clear how the fire broke out, though authorities said they believe it was deliberately started by the suspect.
Police engaged in gunfire with the shooter and he is now deceased, authorities said.
10 victims taken to local hospitals, including one fatality
There were 10 victims taken to hospitals following the shooting on Sunday, authorities said during a press conference.
One of the victims has died, authorities added.
Fire contained over an hour after shooting
The fire at a Mormon church in Grand Blanc, Michigan was contained over an hour after there were reports of gunfire.
‘My heart is breaking for the Grand Blanc community,’ Michigan governor says
“My heart is breaking for the Grand Blanc community,” Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer wrote on X.
“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 Latter-Day Saints in Grand Blanc close.”
Area evacuated as local and federal authorities respond
Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson said the area had been evacuated following the shooting.
“The entire church is on fire,” Swanson said. “This is a dynamic scene.”
Swanson said authorities would release more details later.
“There’s a lot of things that are happening that we are not able to communicate just because of the work that needs to be done,” Swanson said.
Attorney General Pam Bondi reacts to shooting in Grand Blanc, Michigan
Attorney General Pam Bondi posted on X that she is receiving briefings on the shooting at a Mormon church in Michigan.
“I am receiving briefings about what appears to be a horrific shooting and fire at an LDS church in Grand Blanc, Michigan,” Bondi wrote, adding the FBI and ATF will be on the scene to help local authorities.n
“Such violence at a place of worship is heartbreaking and chilling. Please join me in praying for the victims of this terrible tragedy,” she added.
Children among those wounded in LDS church shooting, source says
Children were among those injured in the shooting at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, a source told CNN.
Victims were being taken from the church to a nearby hospital, the source added.
