Ten people were shot, two fatally, on Sunday morning at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc Township. Authorities said a 40-year-old man from Burton drove his truck through the church’s entrance and began shooting before setting the building on fire. The incident occurred during a service with hundreds present.
Grand Blanc Township Police Chief William Renye reported that after police responded to the scene, the suspect was killed inside the church. “We do believe there were people up there that were near that fire, and they were unable to get out of the church,” Renye said. He also noted that firefighters heard voices when the roof collapsed and attempted rescue efforts despite ammunition going off inside.
Aerial images showed significant damage to the redbrick church and a beige truck with American flags parked near the entrance. Initially, one fatality was confirmed at noon, but later updates indicated a second person died at a local hospital.
Authorities said there is no ongoing threat to public safety but advised residents to avoid the area as investigations continue. The FBI is assisting with about 100 agents on site, according to bureau spokesman Jordan Hall.
The shooting happened around 10:25 a.m., during regular services. Law enforcement officers from Grand Blanc Township and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources exchanged gunfire with the suspect, who used an assault rifle. “We’re going to find if there was a motive,” Renye said.
Victims were transported to area hospitals; some remain in critical condition. Henry Ford Genesys Hospital stated it had cared for nine injured individuals following the shooting and fire and was fully staffed during the emergency response. “Our hearts go out to our patients, their families, and the community-including the people worshipping when the tragic act of violence occurred,” read a statement from Henry Ford Genesys Hospital.
When asked about striking nurses offering help during Sunday’s events, hospital officials clarified staffing needs had been met but appreciated offers from Teamsters union members: “We understand and appreciate the Teamsters’ instinct to care for their neighbors during this time of heartbreak, and we will not hesitate to reach out if we need additional assistance.”
Community members gathered at a nearby theater for reunification as smoke still filled the air. Nicole McDaniel waited outside Trillium Theater for her daughter who had been inside during the attack. “My neighbor just said she heard a big (boom) and she grabbed the girls,” McDaniel said. She described her daughter as traumatized by what happened.
Local leaders expressed shock at what took place in Grand Blanc Township, located about 50 miles north of Detroit. Supervisor Scott Bennett commented: “We are heartbroken. This kind of violence doesn’t happen in our community.” Doug Andersen, spokesperson for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, called it a “tragic act of violence” and thanked first responders: “We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of prayers and concern from so many people around the world. In moments of sorrow and uncertainty, we find strength and comfort through our faith in Jesus Christ. Places of worship are meant to be sanctuaries of peacemaking, prayer and connection. We pray for peace and healing for all involved.”
Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson described an evolving situation on social media: “the entire church is on fire…. This is a dynamic scene.” FBI Director Kash Patel added online: “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.”
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer stated her condolences online: “Violence anywhere, especially in a place of worship, is unacceptable,” she wrote while thanking first responders for their quick action.
Other officials also responded publicly including Sen. John Cherry (D-Flint): “To terrorize people in a place of worship, where their hopes are highest and their faith strongest, is particularly sickening and has rocked our entire community.” Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald referred to gun violence as “a public health crisis” saying: “My heart goes out to the victims… But sympathy is not enough… We have an obligation to find solutions to this deadly problem.” U.S. Rep Kristen McDonald Rivet (D-Bay City) called such acts “despicable.”
According to its website, The Church describes itself as “a community of people who are trying to be more Christlike” offering weekly sacrament meetings along with scripture-based classes for all ages.
This incident follows another recent church-related shooting in Michigan earlier this year at CrossPointe Community Church in Wayne where an armed man was stopped by security staff before causing further harm.
Multiple agencies responded Sunday including Oakland County Sheriff’s Office which noted via social media that this marks its fourth mass shooting response within five years.
