09/28/2025
Tragedy Strikes Grand Blanc: Shooting and Fire at Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Leaves Multiple Victims
By Randal Knight, CEO
September 28, 2025
In a shocking act of violence that has reverberated through the quiet suburb of Grand Blanc, Michigan, a gunman opened fire during Sunday morning services at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, injuring multiple worshippers before the building erupted in flames. Authorities confirmed that the shooter has been neutralized, with no ongoing threat to the public, but the incident has left the community grappling with profound loss and devastation.
The attack unfolded shortly before 11:00 a.m. at the church located on McCandlish Road, approximately 50 miles north of Detroit and just outside the city of Flint. According to the Grand Blanc Township Police Department, emergency calls reported an active shooter situation, prompting a swift response from local law enforcement, including the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, Michigan State Police, and federal agencies such as the FBI and ATF. Witnesses and initial reports described a chaotic scene where the assailant allegedly drove a truck into the chapel wall before exiting the vehicle and firing upon congregants.
Eyewitness accounts and drone footage captured the harrowing aftermath: thick plumes of black smoke billowing from the structure as firefighters battled the blaze, which authorities believe was intentionally set by the shooter. The fire spread rapidly, causing the roof to collapse and ammunition stored within the building to detonate sporadically, complicating rescue efforts. Scanner traffic and on-scene reports also revealed the discovery of an improvised explosive device (IED) in the suspect’s truck, which was safely removed by the state police bomb squad. This element has elevated concerns about the potential for a more coordinated or terroristic motive, though investigators have not yet confirmed a definitive classification.
Casualty figures remain fluid as medical teams treat survivors, but preliminary reports indicate between six and eight victims, including children among the injured. One source cited three fatalities and eight injuries, underscoring the attack’s toll on families gathered for worship. Victims were transported to nearby hospitals, with a reunification site established at a pavilion north of the church for anxious relatives. Genesee County Sheriff Christopher Swanson described the response as a “dynamic scene,” praising the coordinated efforts of first responders who faced gunfire and structural hazards while evacuating those inside.
The shooter, whose identity has not been publicly released pending notification of next of kin, was declared down at the scene, though the precise circumstances of his neutralization—whether by self-inflicted means or law enforcement action—remain under investigation. This incident occurs against a somber backdrop for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, coming just one day after the passing of its longtime president, Russell M. Nelson, at age 101.
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer addressed the tragedy in a statement, expressing heartbreak for the Grand Blanc community and gratitude to first responders. “Violence anywhere, especially in a place of worship, is unacceptable,” she said. “I am grateful to the first responders who took action quickly.” U.S. Representative John James, whose district includes Grand Blanc, echoed these sentiments, calling the event a “grave evil” and offering prayers for victims and their families.
As of late afternoon, the fire continued to burn under controlled conditions, with the church building extensively damaged and likely a total loss. The FBI has described the assault as a targeted attack on a house of worship, and a multi-agency investigation is underway to determine the shooter’s motives and any connections to broader threats. Community members, many of whom have deep roots in this close-knit suburb of roughly 8,000 residents, expressed disbelief on social media, with one local resident lamenting, “This is a great place to live… and this s**t just happened. Horrible.”
This event serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by places of worship nationwide, prompting renewed calls for enhanced security measures and support for affected communities. As Grand Blanc unites in mourning, authorities urge the public to avoid the area and direct tips to local law enforcement. Updates will follow as more details emerge.
