Michigan shooting Highlights: 2 killed, several injured at Mormon church; Trump says ‘Targeted attack on Christians’
Police said one person was killed and nine were injured in a shooting. The suspect has also been killed in the process.
Michigan shooting Highlights: A shooter opened fire at a Mormon church in Michigan, injuring multiple people, on Sunday. According to the police, the shooter has been killed, and there is no threat to the public. However, the church is currently on fire.
The shooting occurred at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc, about 80 kilometres north of Detroit.
Henry Ford Genesys Hospital treating victims
Multiple victims injured in the recent shooting and fire at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc Township, Michigan, are being treated at Henry Ford Genesys Hospital, a hospital spokesperson confirmed, as per NBC News report.
In a statement, the hospital expressed condolences to those affected: “Our hearts go out to our patients, their families, and the community—including the people worshipping when the tragic act of violence occurred,” the statement read.
The hospital emphasized its readiness to care for all patients.
“Our hospital is fully staffed with experienced caregivers, and we are grateful to our team members who continue to care for all our patients at Henry Ford Genesys Hospital,” the spokesperson added.
Second fatality confirmed
Authorities have confirmed a second death in the shooting at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc Township, Michigan.
Grand Blanc Township Police Chief William Renye said one more victim died from gunshot wounds at a local hospital, bringing the death toll to two.
Motive still unknown
Authorities said the motive for the shooting and fire remains unclear. Investigators searched the suspect’s residence in nearby Burton but did not release further details about him, including whether he was a church member. The FBI has deployed 100 agents to assist local authorities.
Officials to hold press conference on shooting
Authorities in Michigan will hold a press conference at 5 p.m. ET Sunday to provide updates on the deadly shooting at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc. Grand Blanc Township Police Chief Bill Renye and Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson are expected to lead the briefing.
‘Another targeted attack on Christians’: Donald Trump
US President Donald Trump denounced a shooting and fire at a Mormon church as “another targeted attack on Christians”.
“The suspect is dead, but there is still a lot to learn. This appears to be yet another targeted attack on Christians in the United States of America,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.
“PRAY for the victims, and their families. THIS EPIDEMIC OF VIOLENCE IN OUR COUNTRY MUST END, IMMEDIATELY!” he added.
Here's what the police said:
Police said there is no ongoing threat to the public.
“There are multiple victims and the shooter is down. There is no threat to the public at this time. The church is actively on fire,” the Grand Blanc Township Police Department said in a post on Facebook, urging people to avoid the area.
Mormon church Michigan video
About the Mormon church
The Mormon church, circled by a parking lot and a large lawn, is located near residential areas and a Jehovah's Witness church in Grand Blanc. The community of roughly 8,000 people is just outside Flint.
The shooting occurred the morning after Russell M Nelson, the oldest-ever president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, died at 101. The next president of the faith, known widely as the Mormon church, is expected to be Dallin H Oaks, per church protocol.
‘Unacceptable’: Michigan Governor
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer said in a statement that her heart is breaking for the Grand Blanc community. “Violence anywhere, especially in a place of worship, is unacceptable,” she said.