A gunman stormed into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc Township, Michigan, on Sunday, killing at least one person and injuring nine others before being shot dead by police. Authorities said hundreds of worshippers were present when the attacker, a 40-year-old man, rammed his vehicle into the church’s entrance, then stepped out and began shooting.
Police Chief William Renye told reporters that the suspect is believed to have also set the building on fire, news agency AP reported. Flames and thick smoke rose from the church for hours before fire crews managed to extinguish the blaze. First responders were later seen combing through the wreckage.
“We do believe we will find some additional victims once we find the area where the fire was,” Renye stated, as quoted by AP.
#BREAKING: 6-8 victims after shooting in Grand Blanc, Michigan — Fox 2 Detroit
Mormon Church is still on fire#Breaking pic.twitter.com/NqqrrQlPYA
— Jamililer (@JamilKhabir396) September 28, 2025
US President Trump Calls It ‘Targeted Attack On Christians’
Reacting to the incident, US President Donald Trump wrote on Truth Social: “I have been briefed on the horrendous shooting that took place at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, in Grand Blanc, Michigan. The FBI was immediately on scene, and will be leading the Federal Investigation, and providing full support to State and Local Officials. 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!”
Grand Blanc Township supervisor Scott Bennett described the shooting and subsequent fire as “a tragedy that nobody wants to encounter.”
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer also issued a statement, saying her “heart is breaking for the Grand Blanc community.” She added, “Violence anywhere especially in a place of worship, is unacceptable.”
The attack came just a day after Russell M. Nelson, the oldest-ever president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, passed away at the age of 101. In line with church protocol, leadership is expected to pass to Dallin H. Oaks.
The church, which sits surrounded by a parking area and lawn near residential neighbourhoods and a Jehovah’s Witness hall, remains under investigation as officials search for a possible motive behind the shooting and arson.
