Michigan Church Shooting Leaves One Dead, Nine Injured as Fire Engulfs Building
GRAND BLANC TOWNSHIP, Mich. — A Sunday morning worship service turned into tragedy when a gunman opened fire inside a Mormon church in Grand Blanc Township, killing one person and injuring nine others before the building was set ablaze. Authorities later confirmed the suspect also died during the attack.
Gunman Opens Fire, Sets Blaze
Police say the violence began when the suspect entered the church and began shooting at congregants. Amid the chaos, a fire was ignited inside the building, which quickly spread through the sanctuary and roof.
By the time firefighters arrived, flames had consumed much of the church, sending thick black smoke into the sky. Aerial videos shared on social media show the structure fully engulfed, with parishioners and neighbors watching from nearby streets.
Casualties Confirmed
Grand Blanc Township Police Chief William Renye confirmed that one victim died on scene, while nine others sustained injuries ranging from gunshot wounds to smoke inhalation. Officials warned that the number of casualties may rise as investigators comb through the wreckage.
“We believe there may be additional victims inside the burned structure,” Renye said.
Suspect Dead
Authorities confirmed that the suspected shooter also died during the incident, though details of whether the suspect was shot by police or perished in the fire have not yet been released.
Community in Shock
Residents expressed heartbreak and disbelief at the attack on a place of worship. Videos shared by national commentators, including Benny Johnson, underscored the widespread outrage, with captions warning that “Christianity is under attack.”
Faith leaders in the region have called for unity and prayer, while law enforcement pledged a full investigation into the gunman’s background and motives.
Ongoing Investigation
Officials from the ATF and FBI are assisting local authorities in examining the crime scene and reviewing whether the attack is linked to broader threats against religious institutions.
The destroyed church has been cordoned off, with recovery crews and investigators working to determine how many lives were lost in the blaze.
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