Additional Coverage:
- Police find IEDs inside church shooter’s pickup truck covered in US flags as death toll rises (irishstar.com)
Grand Blanc Church Attack: IEDs Found in Suspect’s Truck, Motive Remains Unknown
Grand Blanc Township, MI – Improvised explosive devices (IEDs) were discovered inside the pickup truck used by a suspect in a mass shooting and arson attack at a local church, authorities confirmed. The tragic incident unfolded at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which was reportedly filled with hundreds of people at the time.
According to Police Chief William Renye, a 40-year-old man drove his vehicle directly through the front doors of the church, exited, and began firing. Investigators also believe the suspect intentionally set the building ablaze.
Following his rampage inside the church, the suspect fled and was pursued by two officers. Chief Renye stated that an exchange of gunfire ensued, resulting in the suspect’s death.
“We do believe we will find some additional victims once we find the area where the fire was,” Renye told reporters, indicating the potential for further casualties beyond those immediately apparent.
The motive behind the shooting and arson remains unclear, and authorities have not released further details about the suspect, including whether he was affiliated with the church. Investigators are currently conducting a search of the suspect’s residence in nearby Burton as part of the ongoing inquiry.
The FBI has deployed approximately 100 agents to assist local authorities in the investigation. President Donald Trump, who was briefed on the shooting, praised the FBI’s response in a social media post, adding, “PRAY for the victims, and their families. THIS EPIDEMIC OF VIOLENCE IN OUR COUNTRY MUST END, IMMEDIATELY!”
The church, surrounded by a parking lot and a large lawn, is situated in a residential area of Grand Blanc Township, a community of about 40,000 residents located just outside Flint.