GRAND BLANC, Mich. — A Sunday morning worship service turned into a horrific scene of terror and devastation when a gunman opened fire inside The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, leaving at least 10 people shot before flames consumed portions of the sacred building.
The attack unfolded shortly after services began, when families, children, and elderly parishioners had gathered for prayer. Witnesses described an atmosphere of fear and confusion as the sound of gunfire echoed through the sanctuary, sending worshippers scrambling for cover.
According to local authorities, the gunman entered the church armed and began shooting indiscriminately at those in attendance. Chaos quickly escalated as the assailant set parts of the building on fire, turning an already violent rampage into a desperate fight for survival. Thick smoke and flames rapidly filled the structure, making escape even more difficult for those trapped inside.
Emergency calls flooded dispatchers as law enforcement raced to the scene. Within minutes, police officers, firefighters, and emergency medical teams arrived, encountering both the active threat and a rapidly spreading blaze. Swift coordination allowed many parishioners to be evacuated, though rescuers were forced to navigate dangerous conditions while bringing the injured to safety.
Hospital officials confirmed that multiple victims were transported with serious injuries, some in critical condition. Medical personnel across the region were mobilized to handle the influx of patients, while trauma units prepared for the worst. Officials have not yet released the total number of fatalities, as families are being notified and the investigation continues.
Law enforcement sources said the suspected gunman was quickly subdued, though details surrounding his capture remain limited. Authorities have not publicly identified the individual, nor have they shared a possible motive for the attack. Investigators are now piecing together the events that led to the shooting and fire, examining both the crime scene and potential connections in the suspect’s background.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, along with federal agents, joined local police in the investigation due to the use of firearms and arson. Specialists remained on-site throughout the afternoon, gathering evidence while fire crews extinguished hot spots and secured the building’s unstable structure.
For the Grand Blanc community, the violence came as a devastating shock. Residents expressed grief, disbelief, and anger over the loss of safety within a place of worship. Vigils are already being planned, with clergy from across denominations uniting to support victims and their families in the aftermath of the tragedy.
Community leaders urged calm while also calling for resilience. Many spoke of the deep faith that binds the town together, noting that even in the face of unimaginable violence, the people of Grand Blanc have a history of standing united during hardship. Counseling services are being arranged for survivors, witnesses, and families impacted by the trauma.
As the investigation unfolds, authorities continue to secure the area and piece together a timeline of the attack. The church remains closed as both a crime scene and a fire-damaged structure. In the days ahead, attention will shift to healing, accountability, and the search for answers to a crime that has left lasting scars on a community of faith.