5 people died and 8 are injured after a shooting and an arson attack Sunday at a church in eastern Michigan, local police said on social media.
The incident occurred at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) in Grand Blanc, a small community northwest of Detroit, the Grand Blanc Township Police Department said in a post on Facebook.
"There are multiple victims, and the shooter is down. There is no threat to the public at this time. The church is actively on fire," the department said, urging people to avoid the area.
Grand Blanc Township Police Chief William Renye said in a press conference that one person died and nine were injured after the gunman drove his vehicle into the church and opened fire on those inside.
“A 40-year-old suspect from Burton, he’s a male, he drove his vehicle through the front doors of the church,” Renye said during a news briefing. “He then exited his vehicle firing several rounds at individuals within the church."
Gunman drives car through LDS church doors, opens fire
“We do believe that there were people up there who were near that fire, and they were unable to get out of the church. So, we do believe we will find additional victims once we’re able to search that, once there’s no signs of a fire reigniting," he added, as reported by CNN.
US President Donald Trump said that he had been briefed on the "horrendous shooting that took place at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, in Grand Blanc, Michigan. "
"The FBI was immediately on scene, and will be leading the Federal Investigation, and providing full support to State and Local Officials," Trump wrote, adding that this shooting was "yet another targeted attack on Christians in the United States of America."
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer wrote that she was heartbroken for the people affected.
“Violence anywhere, especially in a place of worship, is unacceptable," Whitmer wrote on X/Twitter. "I am grateful to the first responders who took action quickly. We will continue to monitor this situation and hold the Church of Jesus Christ Latter-Day Saints in Grand Blanc close.”
A spokesman for the LDS church said that it had also been briefed on the situation.
“The Church is in communication with local law enforcement as the investigation continues and as we receive updates on the condition of those affected,” a statement from LDS church spokesperson Doug Andersen reads.
“We offer thanks to the emergency responders who are assisting victims and families.”
The shooting at the LDS church comes as the oldest-ever president of the church, Russell M. Nelson, died earlier on Sunday. He was 101 years old.