At least nine injured in Michigan shooting, Grand Blanc church set on fire, shooter down
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Screengrab from video shared on social media. Photograph: (X/@ChiefGaryLudwig)
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is currently on fire, and authorities have urged the public to avoid the area as emergency response efforts continue.
At least nine people were injured in a shooting incident at a Mormon church in Michigan’s Grand Blanc on Sunday (Sep 28). The police confirmed that the shooter is down and there is no ongoing threat to the public. They added that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was on fire, but crews have contained the blaze. Authorities have urged the public to avoid the area as emergency response efforts continue. The incident happened a day after the oldest-ever president of the church, Russell M. Nelson, passed away at the age of 101. He is expected to be succeeded by Dallin H. Oaks, according to the church protocol.
What we know
According to authorities, a 40-year-old man from Burton drove his vehicle to church and opened fire at hundreds of people attending Sunday service. The suspect was using an assault rifle and deliberately started the fire at the church. The shooting happened around 11 am local time at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc, about 50 miles north of Detroit.
Grand Blanc Township Chief William Renye told reporters that the shooter was shot dead by police officers. Nine others were injured in the incident, including two of who are in critical condition. The police have said that more casualties are feared in the fire. Genesee County sheriff Christopher Swanson said that the “entire church” was on fire, and the people had been evacuated.
In a statement, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer said, “My heart is breaking for the Grand Blanc community. 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 of Latter-Day Saints in Grand Blanc close.”
The shooting comes hours after three people were killed and several others were injured after a shooter opened fire at a crowded waterfront bar in Southport, North Carolina. The suspect, who shot at the people from a boat, was arrested half an hour later in nearby Oak Island.
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In a post on Facebook, Grand Blanc Township Police Department said, “There’s has been an active shooter at the church of Latter Day Saints on McCandlish Rd. There are multiple victims and the shooter is down. There is NO threat to the public at this time. The church is actively on fire.”
It further added, “For people on site, the reunification site is the pavilion to the north. Offsite reunification will be at Trillium theater at Holly and McCandlish. PLEASE AVOID THE AREA!!”
In a statement, Michigan State Police said that they are aware of the incident, urging residents to avoid the area.
Several videos showing thick plumes of smoke rising from the church building surfaced on social media.
Calling it a “yet another targeted attack on Christians in the US”, US President Donald Trump said that the epidemic of violence in the US must end immediately.
Vice President JD Vance said that the FBI was at scene and monitoring things after the “awful situation in Michigan.”
Attorney General Pamela Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel also condemned the incident.
