Officials held a press conference Sunday afternoon to give preliminary information after a fire and mass shooting at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints chapel in Grand Blanc, Michigan. According to Grand Blanc Township Police Chief William Renye, the shooting occurred at 10:25 AM local time, in the midst of the Grand Blanc Ward's Sacrament meeting:
"During this incident...a 40-year-old suspect from Burton, Michigan, drove his vehicle through the front doors of the church. He then exited his vehicle, firing several rounds at individuals within the church. Ten gunshot victims have been transported to local hospitals, including one who has been deceased.
"Officers who were trained immediately responded to the area...they met the suspect and they engaged in gunfire with that particular individual, neutralizing that suspect, and that suspect is no longer with us."
Renye added that "a couple" of the victims are hospitalized in critical condition, and the remaining known victims are in stable condition.
According to the LDS Church website, the Grand Blanc Ward meets at 10 A.M. every Sunday, beginning with Sacrament meeting (the general worship meeting, held in the chapel), with Sunday School starting at 11 A.M. Officials stated that hundreds of people were in attendance, and that the FBI is assisting with interviewing those witnesses.
I just got this update from the Davison Township Michigan police chief. He confirmed the active shooting and fire situation at the church in Genesee County, Michigan. pic.twitter.com/7o2ymPgkjV
— Dave Bondy (@DaveBondyTV) September 28, 2025
The fire was deliberately set by the suspect, and Renye believes that additional victims will be found when first responders can access the area where the fire started. The fire has been extinguished by the Grand Blanc Fire Department.
Grand Blanc, Mich. (Sept. 28) — Multiple people are injured after a shooter opened fire at a Mormon church. The shooter is down, and the church is now in flames. pic.twitter.com/X8sWAlk8Z6
— Andy Ngo (@MrAndyNgo) September 28, 2025
According to scanner traffic, an improvised explosive device was found in a vehicle near the church.
Grand Blanc Township Trustee Sara Hugo said:
There are no words big enough for the heartbreak our community is feeling. Grand Blanc is a place where we look out for one another, and today we grieve together. My heart aches for the families whose lives have been forever changed, and for everyone who feels the weight of this tragedy. Please pray for our community… The victims, their families, everyone who witnessed this horrific tragedy, as well as the first responders.
Please hold each other close—we need one another now more than ever
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints issued the following statement:
A tragic act of violence occurred today at a chapel of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc, Michigan. 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.
The next press conference is scheduled for 5 P.M. Eastern.
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