Image: Global Press Free X @GlobalPressFree
By Liam Scott | Staff Writer with Agencies
GRAND BLANC, Mich. – A community is in mourning after a violent attack on a place of worship on Sunday left two people dead and at least eight others injured. The incident occurred at a meetinghouse of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc, Michigan.
Police in Michigan have identified the suspect in Sunday morning's shooting and fire during a packed service at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc. At least two people were killed and eight others injured, officials said. https://t.co/WqJH33KNiO pic.twitter.com/J64d4VLB4S
— ABC News (@ABC) September 28, 2025
According to Grand Blanc Police Chief William Renye, the attack began when a man drove his vehicle through the front doors of the church while hundreds of people were inside. The suspect, identified as a 40-year-old man from nearby Burton, then exited his vehicle and began firing an assault-style weapon.
Chief Renye stated that the crash and subsequent attack caused a fire, which is believed to have been intentionally set by the assailant. Social media footage from the scene showed heavy smoke billowing from the building as firefighters worked to extinguish the flames amidst a large emergency response.
“The scene was one of chaos and bravery,” Chief Renye said during a press conference. “He got out of his vehicle, firing. There were hundreds of people inside.”
🚨BREAKING: An attacker in Wayne, Michigan rammed his truck into a church, stepped out with a rifle, and opened fire on the congregation. An armed security guard shot and killed the attacker. pic.twitter.com/nuCeJcNed7
— AJ Huber (@Huberton) June 22, 2025
The violent confrontation ended when the suspect was killed in an exchange of gunfire with two police officers who rushed to the scene. The officers have been placed on standard administrative leave pending an investigation.
Authorities have not yet released the identities of the suspect or the victims, pending family notifications. Chief Renye added that rescue crews expected to continue searching the ruins for potential additional victims.
In the wake of the tragedy, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer expressed her grief and solidarity with the community.
“My heart is breaking for the Grand Blanc community,” Governor Whitmer said in a statement posted to social media. “Violence anywhere, especially in a place of worship, is unacceptable.”
The attack has sent shockwaves through the local congregation and the wider community. A spokesperson for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints released a brief statement, saying, “We are devastated by this senseless act of violence. Our prayers are with the victims, their families, the first responders, and the entire community affected by this tragedy. We are cooperating fully with local authorities.”
The investigation into the motive for the attack is ongoing, with local and federal agencies, including the ATF and FBI, assisting the Grand Blanc Police Department.
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