Additional Coverage:
- Bomb squad swoops on Michigan church after suspect rams car into building and opens fire (irishstar.com)
Grand Blanc Church Hit by Deadly Attack, Fire, and Suspicious Device Discovery
GRAND BLANC, MI – A horrific Sunday morning unfolded at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc, where a mass shooting and a deliberate fire have left at least one person dead and nine injured. Authorities are also investigating a “suspicious item” found at the scene, which a bomb squad is currently assessing as a potential “improvised device.”
The incident began before 11:00 AM on Sunday, September 28, 2025, when a 40-year-old man reportedly drove his vehicle into the church’s main entrance on McCandlish Road. He then exited the vehicle and began firing an assault rifle. Hundreds of churchgoers were inside attending Sunday services when the attack occurred.
Law enforcement officials confirmed the shooter was “neutralized” by 11:25 AM, and there is no ongoing threat to the public. However, the tragedy escalated with a substantial fire that engulfed the Mormon temple.
The police chief stated the blaze was “deliberate.” Genesee County Sheriff Christopher Swanson later described the church as a “total loss” after the fire was extinguished, with significant structural damage evident from dark smoke pouring out for hours.
Officials anticipate finding additional fatalities once they can fully access areas ravaged by the fire, as rescuers were unable to reach some individuals in time.
The discovery of the suspicious item has added another layer to the complex investigation. A bomb squad is on scene, meticulously assessing the potential improvised device.
Local authorities are advising the public to steer clear of the area as a large-scale emergency response remains underway. Designated meeting points for those on the scene include the pavilion to the north, while those offsite are directed to meet at the Trillium theater at Holly and McCandlish.
The incident has drawn widespread condemnation from officials. President Trump issued a statement calling it a “horrendous shooting” and a “targeted attack on Christians in the United States of America,” urging prayers for the victims and their families.
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer expressed heartbreak for the Grand Blanc community, stating, “Violence anywhere, especially in a place of worship, is unacceptable.” Attorney General Pam Bondi echoed these sentiments, calling such violence “heartbreaking and chilling.”
FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed that FBI agents are on the scene to assist local authorities, declaring, “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.”
This devastating event occurred just one day after the passing of Russell M. Nelson, the oldest-serving president in the history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
In response to the attack, the NYPD announced it would deploy extra officers at houses of worship across New York City. The investigation into the full scope of this horrific incident is ongoing.