Additional Coverage:
- Grand Blanc church shooting: one dead, 10 injured as gunman drives through front door, sets fire (irishstar.com)
Tragedy Strikes Grand Blanc Church: Shooting and Arson Leave Multiple Casualties
GRAND BLANC, MI – A horrific act of violence unfolded Sunday morning at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc, leaving at least one person dead, several injured, and the church building a total loss after a deliberate fire. Authorities confirmed the shooter has been neutralized and there is no active threat to the public, though a massive emergency response remains underway.
Local police provided updates, stating that a 40-year-old male assailant drove his vehicle through the front doors of the church on McCandlish Road before exiting and opening fire with an assault rifle. The incident began shortly before 11 a.m., with law enforcement confirming the shooter was “down” by 11:25 a.m.
Approximately 10 victims were transported to local hospitals with various injuries. Tragically, one fatality has been confirmed, and officials anticipate discovering additional deceased individuals once the extensive fire, which engulfed the structure, is fully contained and investigators can access all areas. Police Chief described the fire as “deliberate,” and Genesee County Sheriff Christopher Swanson later declared the building a “total loss,” with structural damage evident from the thick black smoke that billowed throughout the morning.
Hundreds of people were reportedly inside the church at the time of the attack, attending a Sunday service.
Authorities have urged the public to avoid the area while first responders continue their work. For those on-site, a reunification point has been established at the pavilion to the north of the church. Off-site reunification is designated for the Trillium theater at Holly and McCandlish.
The incident drew swift condemnation from state and national leaders. 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.”
Former President Trump issued a statement via Truth Social, confirming he had been briefed and that the FBI was on scene to lead the federal investigation. He characterized the event as “yet another targeted attack on Christians.” FBI Director Kash Patel also commented, confirming agents were assisting local authorities and condemning the “cowardly and criminal act” of violence in a place of worship.
This tragedy occurred on the heels of the passing of Russell M. Nelson, the oldest-ever president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, at 101.
His successor is expected to be Dallin H. Oaks.
In response to the Grand Blanc attack, the New York Police Department announced it would be deploying additional law enforcement to religious institutions in its jurisdiction.