GRAND BLANC, Mich. (WXYZ) — Grand Blanc Township police say that at least two people are dead, including the suspect, and nine people are injured following a Sunday morning shooting at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Watch an update from officials in the video player below:
Grand Blanc Township Police Department Chief William Renye said that the suspect, a 40-year-old man from Burton, rammed a vehicle into the front of the church, got out and opened fire on the people inside.
Video of the scene near the church below:
Watch the update from Faraz Javed below:
Police report that officials responded to the scene and took down the suspected shooter.
According to police, there is no threat to the public at this time.
We spoke with Paula, a survivor of the shooting, live on air earlier this afternoon. Her son, Taylor, was shot in the hand by the shooter while in his car.
"We heard a big bang and the doors flew open," Paula said. "And then everybody rushed out. We went through the church and through the parking lot...when we got in the cars and flipped around, that's when the shooter started shooting at the car. Taylor is fine, it hit his hand."
"I didn't know what was going on," Paula continued. "I didn't know if we had to get down, because we couldn't see anybody...it was scary, I came to worship my savior Jesus Christ and I didn't expect this to happen, of course."
Paula said there was not security at the church, and she did not know any details about the suspect.
"I can't believe someone would do this to my church," Paula said. "It's not shaking my faith, I don't know what happened and I don't know why and I probably never will."
We spoke with Cindy Walsh, who lives near the church and was home when the shooting happened.
"I was just in the house watching TV and all I heard was a big bang, and then I heard what sounded like gunshots," Walsh said. "So I went outside and all of a sudden, I saw smoke coming out and then people were coming out and I just stayed out here and watched it."
"I'm shaken, I'm very shaken, but I'm glad more people weren't injured," Walsh continued. "I've seen a change in this world, there's so much hate in this world, I just don't understand it."
Virginia, another neighbor, also shared her thoughts following the tragedy:
“This is such a sad day. My heart is broken for these people. My God. Why can’t people just get along and be kind to one another? It’s so much easier to do that than to fill your heart with evil,” said Virginia, a neighbor of the church.
Police also believe the church was deliberately set on fire by the suspect.
“We do believe that we will find additional victims once we have that scene secure," said Chief Renye.
Police say multiple injured victims are currently in critical condition.
The church released the statement below on the incident
“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.”
Kash Patel, the FBI Director, said that agents are on scene to assist in the investigation.
We are tracking reports of the horrific shooting and fire at an LDS church in Grand Blanc, Michigan. @FBI agents are on the scene to assist local authorities.
— FBI Director Kash Patel (@FBIDirectorKash) September 28, 2025
Violence in a place of worship is a cowardly and criminal act. Our prayers are with the victims and their families…
The Oakland County Sheriff's Office has released the following statement following the shooting:
"We have multiple teams and units on scene in Grand Blanc Township assisting at the church shooting and fire. Tragically, this marks the fourth mass shooting we’ve responded to in less than five years. Please avoid the area."
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer also released the following statement regarding the tragedy:
— Governor Gretchen Whitmer (@GovWhitmer) September 28, 2025
The reunification place for people off-site is the Trillium Theater at Holly and McCandish.
The public is being asked to avoid the area.
Stay with wxyz.com for updates on this developing story.
