Gunman Attacks Michigan Church: 10 Shot, 1 Dead, Fire Engulfs Building

GRAND BLANC — At 10:25 AM local time, a gunman opened fire at a Mormon church in Grand Blanc, Michigan. According to the Grand Blanc Township Police Department, at least 10 victims were shot, and at least one has been killed. Officers responded quickly, engaging in gunfire with the suspected shooter, who was killed. A fire was started at some point during the incident, which enveloped the church and was later contained by firefighters. Police believe that the fire was started deliberately.

Police Chief William Renye gave a press conference at 1 PM local time. He says a 40-year-old suspect from Burton drove his vehicle through the front door of the church. He then exited and fired several rounds from an assault rifle. 10 gunshot victims transported to local hospitals, one deceased. A few remain in critical condition, with the rest in stable condition.

Chief Renye believes additional victims are likely to be found who had been trapped by the fire and were unable to extract themselves from the building. At the time of the 1 PM conference, the fire had just been extinguished.

The investigation is ongoing, with Renye stating that warrants will be obtained to determine a motive. He also says the FBI devoted 100 agents to the area, and that interviews will need to be conducted for a large number of witnesses within the church. The church was in active service at the time, with hundreds in attendance. The police do not believe there is an ongoing threat to the public at this time, since the sole suspect has been neutralized.

Scott Bennet, Grand Blanc Township Supervisor, said, “We are heartbroken. This type of violence doesn’t happen in our community.” He says the township will do everything it can to assist the victims and their families.