Mass Shooting and Fire at LDS Church in Grand Blanc Leaves Two Dead
A Sunday service at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc, Michigan, turned into tragedy when a gunman opened fire and set the church ablaze. Police confirmed at least 10 victims were shot, with two fatalities and others in critical condition. The suspect, a 40-year-old man from Burton, was killed in a gunfight with officers.
According to Police Chief William Renye, the attacker drove his vehicle through the front doors at 10:25 a.m., then began shooting before deliberately setting the church on fire. The five-alarm blaze caused a partial collapse before firefighters extinguished it.
The FBI and ATF are leading the investigation, with more than 100 agents assigned. Officials are probing possible motives, including whether the attack was connected to the death of Russell M. Nelson, LDS president, who passed away Saturday at age 101.
Political leaders swiftly responded. Donald Trump called it “yet another targeted attack on Christians,” while Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said her “heart is breaking for the Grand Blanc community.” LDS officials expressed gratitude to first responders, reminding the faithful that places of worship should be sanctuaries of peace.
