At least one person has died and nine others are injured after a gunman launched a violent attack on a Mormon church in Grand Blanc, Michigan, on Sunday morning.
Police say the 40-year-old suspect drove his vehicle into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints during a service that had drawn hundreds of worshippers. He then opened fire with an assault-style rifle, striking several people before allegedly setting the building on fire.
Grand Blanc Township Police Chief William Renye confirmed that officers rushed to the scene at around 10:25 a.m. local time (15:25 GMT). Police engaged the attacker in gunfire and fatally shot him, ending the threat. Authorities have not yet released the suspect’s name.
Nine victims suffered gunshot wounds and are being treated in hospital. Some remain in critical condition, though all are said to be stable. Fire crews quickly contained the blaze, but investigators fear more victims may be found once it is safe to fully search the building.
Chief Renye told reporters that investigators believe the fire was deliberately set by the gunman. Police and FBI agents are now examining the suspect’s home and phone records in an effort to uncover his motive.
The scale of the investigation is significant, with about 100 FBI agents deployed to assist local authorities. President Donald Trump said he had been briefed on the incident and confirmed that the FBI will lead the federal investigation. Writing on Truth Social, he called it “yet another targeted attack on Christians in the United States of America.”
US Attorney General Pam Bondi also issued a statement, describing it as a “horrific shooting and fire” and assuring the public that federal officials are fully engaged in supporting the investigation.
As Grand Blanc mourns, officials are urging calm while they work to piece together how the tragedy unfolded and why the church was targeted.
