Gunman opens fire, sets Michigan church ablaze; 1 dead, 9 injured

Grand Blanc: A gunman opened fire inside a church in Michigan during Sunday services before apparently setting the building on fire, killing at least one person and injuring nine others, police said. The suspect was later shot and neutralised by officers.

The incident took place at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc Township, where hundreds of worshippers had gathered. Police Chief William Renye explained that a 40-year-old man rammed his vehicle into the front door of the church, then exited and began shooting.

The suspect is believed to have deliberately set the church on fire, with flames and smoke visible for several hours before firefighters brought the blaze under control. Emergency crews have been searching through the damaged building for any additional victims.

“We do believe we will find some additional victims once we find the area where the fire was,” Chief Renye said.

Scott Bennett, supervisor of Grand Blanc Township, described the incident as “a tragedy that nobody wants to encounter.”

Authorities have not yet determined a motive for the shooting and arson.

The church, surrounded by a parking lot and a large lawn, is located near residential homes and a Jehovah’s Witness church.

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer expressed her sorrow for the community, stating, “My heart is breaking for Grand Blanc. Violence anywhere, especially in a place of worship, is unacceptable.”

The attack occurred the day after the death of Russell M. Nelson, the oldest-ever president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, who passed away aged 101.

AP