Another person has died due to injuries from a shooting at a meetinghouse of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc, Michigan, on Sunday morning.
“There has been one more fatality due to gunshots,” Grand Blanc Township Chief of Police William Renye said on a video posted to Facebook. “That person had died at a local hospital.”
Initial reports said that one person had died and nine were injured.
Police say the suspect, a 40-year-old man from Burton, Michigan, drove his vehicle through the front doors of the meetinghouse where hundreds were gathered for services. The suspect exited the vehicle and began firing, police say. The fire that engulfed the building is believed to have been deliberately set by the suspect.
The suspect was killed after exchanging gunfire with officers who responded to the scene.
Police also believe they “will find additional victims once we have that scene secure.” Another press conference will be held at 3 p.m. MDT.
“There was a large fire and we do believe that there (were) people up there that were near that fire, and they were unable to get out of the church,” Renye said.
What happened at the Michigan church shooting
During an initial press conference Sunday, Renye provided the following information:
- The suspect is a 40-year-old male from Burton, Michigan.
- The suspect drove his vehicle through the front doors of the meetinghouse, exited and began firing.
- Two officers “immediately” responded and engaged in gunfire, killing the suspect.
- Police believe the fire was “deliberately set by the suspect.”
- “We do believe that we will find additional victims once we have that scene secure,” Renye said.
- Police are seeking cell records and search warrants for the suspect’s residence and will be looking for a motive.
- The FBI is devoting a hundred agents to the area.
- The shooting occurred during a service attended by “hundreds of people within the church,” Renye said.
- “We do not believe that there is a threat to the public,” Renye said. “We believe that we have the guy who did this.”
- The weapon used was “an assault rifle.”
CNN confirmed that children were among the wounded, citing a source familiar with the situation. At least some of the injuries are very serious, the source said.
Patients were still being taken from the church to a hospital as of a short time ago, the source said.
Church statement on shooting
The Church of Jesus Christ issued a statement on the incident.
“A tragic act of violence occurred today at a chapel of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc, Michigan,” the statement said. “During Sunday worship services a gunman opened fire, and early reports indicate that multiple individuals were injured. We ask for cooperation with local authorities as details become available.
“The church is in communication with local law enforcement as the investigation continues and as we receive updates on the condition of those affected. We offer thanks to the emergency responders who are assisting victims and families.
“We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of prayers and concern from so many people around the world. In moments of sorrow and uncertainty, we find strength and comfort through our faith in Jesus Christ. Places of worship are meant to be sanctuaries of peacemaking, prayer and connection. We pray for peace and healing for all involved.”
U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi said she was receiving briefings on the shooting.
“Such violence at a place of worship is heartbreaking and chilling,” she said. “Please join me in praying for the victims of this terrible tragedy.”
FBI Director Kash Patel said agents are on the scene to assist local authorities.
“Violence in a place of worship is a cowardly and criminal act,” Patel wrote on X.com. “Our prayers are with the victims and their families during this terrible tragedy.”
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said her heart was breaking for the Grand Blanc community in a comment posted to X.com.
“Violence anywhere, especially in a place of worship, is unacceptable. I am grateful to the first responders who took action so quickly. We will continue to monitor this situation and hold the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc close.”
Rep. John James, R-Michigan, posted a message on social media saying he and his wife were horrified by the news.
“On this Sunday, a day meant for worship and peace, such violence is a grave evil,” James wrote.
Utah Gov. Spencer Cox also responded, saying his was sick over the news and was praying for his Latter-day Saint brothers and sisters at the meetinghouse.
Former Sen. Mitt Romney, who grew up in Michigan, also posted on social media.
This story will be updated.