A shooting that occurred at a Mormon Church, Sunday morning, in Grand Blanc Township, Michigan, left 4 people dead and 7 others injured. Authorities confirmed the suspect, a 40-year-old man, was shot and killed by responding officers after carrying out the attack.
The incident began shortly after worshippers gathered for services in the suburban community about 60 miles northwest of Detroit. Police said the suspect rammed his vehicle through the church’s front doors, shattering glass and metal as stunned parishioners looked on.
BREAKING: Grand Blanc, MI police confirm another victim has died in the church shooting — raising the death toll to 3, including 2 victims and the suspect. pic.twitter.com/GsMMjvooQc
— Resist Times (@resistupdates) September 28, 2025
Exiting the car, he then opened fire with what officials described as an assault-style rifle, sending hundreds of worshippers scrambling for cover.
Grand Blanc Township Police Chief William Renye said investigators believe the suspect also deliberately set fire to the church during the attack.
Within minutes, the building was consumed by flames, and large plumes of smoke could be seen for miles around. Images and videos shared on social media showed the church collapsing in parts as firefighters battled what was quickly elevated to a fifth-alarm blaze.
Because of the fire, authorities fear there may be additional victims inside who were unable to escape in time. “We are preparing for the possibility that more individuals may be found once the fire is fully under control,” Renye explained during an afternoon press briefing.
Chief Renye praised the quick actions of two local officers who engaged the gunman shortly after arriving on the scene. Both officers fired on the suspect, “neutralizing” him before he could cause more carnage.
BREAKING: Video shows a church on fire as officials respond to an active shooter with multiple victims at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc, Michigan. pic.twitter.com/Aqr88F0PP8
— Resist Times (@resistupdates) September 28, 2025
“We do not believe that there’s a threat to the public,” Renye said. “We believe that we have the individual who committed this horrific act.”
Still, the impact on the community is profound. Several of the wounded remain in critical condition at local hospitals, and officials have set up reunification centers nearby for families separated during the chaos.
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer issued a statement on X, formerly Twitter, saying her “heart is breaking” for the people of Grand Blanc. “Violence anywhere, especially in a place of worship, is unacceptable,” she wrote, calling for unity and healing.
President Donald Trump responded on Truth Social, calling the shooting “horrendous” and promising the full support of federal agencies in the investigation. He emphasized that this “appears to be yet another targeted attack on Christians in the United States of America,” echoing his frequent warnings about rising hostility toward religious communities.
Vice President JD Vance also weighed in, saying the country must address “the disturbing pattern of violent attacks against Christians and their places of worship.” So far, investigators have not released a motive for the attack. Renye said detectives are executing search warrants at the suspect’s residence and examining cellphone records and electronic devices for evidence.
Law enforcement officials have not confirmed whether the suspect had any prior criminal record, but early reports suggest he may have been known to local authorities. The FBI is assisting in the case, with agents looking for possible ideological or extremist ties.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints condemned the attack in a statement, calling it a “tragic act of violence” that shattered what was meant to be a peaceful Sunday gathering.
“Places of worship are meant to be sanctuaries of peacemaking, prayer and connection,” said church spokesperson Doug Andersen. “We pray for peace and healing for all involved and for the families who are grieving.”
Local members of the congregation were seen praying together outside the ruins of their building as emergency crews worked through the smoke and rubble. Some embraced, while others comforted children who had witnessed the chaos firsthand.
At a press conference, Texas Senator Ted Cruz, who was visiting Michigan for a separate event, urged Americans to stop using rhetoric that could inspire such attacks. “We should not be putting language out there that inspires madmen to commit evil crimes,” Cruz said. “Stop it, please.”
Church security experts are once again calling for faith communities to bolster security, including trained guards, emergency exit plans, and coordination with local police.
Chief Renye said the investigation remains in its early stages but promised transparency. “We will follow the evidence wherever it leads,” he said. “Our community deserves answers, and we intend to provide them.”
