A gunman opened fire inside a Michigan church during Sunday services before apparently setting the building ablaze, killing at least one person and injuring nine, authorities said. Police later shot the suspect.
Hundreds of people were inside The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc Township when a 40-year-old man rammed his vehicle into the front door. He then exited the vehicle and started shooting, Police Chief William Renye told reporters.
The suspect is believed to have set the church on fire, Mr. Renye added. Flames and smoke were visible for hours before the blaze was finally extinguished. First responders have since been sifting through the wreckage.
“We do believe we will find some additional victims once we find the area where the fire was,” Mr. Renye said.
Scott Bennett, supervisor of Grand Blanc Township, described the shooting and fire as a tragedy that no one wants to encounter.
Authorities have not yet determined a motive for the shooting or the fire.
The church, surrounded by a parking lot and a large lawn, is located near residential areas and a Jehovah’s Witness church.
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer expressed her condolences in a statement, saying, “My heart is breaking for the Grand Blanc community. Violence anywhere, especially in a place of worship, is unacceptable.”
The shooting occurred the morning after Russell M. Nelson, the oldest-ever president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, passed away at the age of 101. The next president of the church, widely known as the Mormon church, is expected to be Dallin H. Oaks, following church protocol.
https://www.breakingnews.ie/world/one-dead-and-nine-injured-in-shooting-and-fire-at-michigan-church-say-police-1812313.html