Man opens fire at Latter-day Saint Church in Michigan

A Sunday worship service turned into tragedy when a gunman opened fire at a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc Township, Michigan, leaving two person dead and nine others injured, according to local authorities.

Police said the suspect, a 40-year-old man from a nearby community, drove his vehicle into the church’s front entrance before entering with an assault rifle and opening fire on congregants. At the time, “hundreds of people” were inside attending services, Police Chief William Renye told reporters.

Emergency responders rushed 10 gunshot victims to local hospitals. One of those victims later died. The gunman was killed at the scene after exchanging fire with police officers.

In addition to the shooting, a fire broke out inside the church. Authorities believe the suspect deliberately set it before he was killed. Firefighters quickly battled the blaze, and it has since been extinguished.

Chief Renye warned that the number of victims may rise as investigators continue to search the building, which was heavily damaged.

Witnesses described scenes of chaos. A nearby resident told AFP: “My husband heard people screaming, one lady yelling for help.”

Governor Gretchen Whitmer condemned the attack, calling it “unacceptable” and extending condolences to the community. “Violence anywhere, especially in a place of worship, is unacceptable,” she said.

President Donald Trump, addressing the incident on his Truth Social platform, called it a “horrendous” act and confirmed that the suspect was dead.

FBI Director Kash Patel said federal agents are assisting local law enforcement, calling the attack “a cowardly and criminal act.”

Grand Blanc, a town of about 7,700 people located 60 miles northwest of Detroit, is home to one of the region’s Mormon congregations. The tragedy unfolded just one day after the passing of Russell Nelson, the 101-year-old leader of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Authorities are still investigating the suspect’s motives.