Grand Blanc, MI – September 28, 2025
The peaceful event of a Sunday mass at a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc Township, Michigan, was disrupted by a violent shooting, as the perpetrator had previously rammed his car into the building. The incident, which occurred just after 10:25 a.m. on McCandlish Road, has caused multiple fatalities and injuries, in addition to fire damage to the church.
The law enforcement officers have assured the locals that the perpetrator is “down,” and, therefore, their community is safe from any further danger.
Key Details of the Incident
The shooting took place at the LDS meetinghouse in Grand Blanc, roughly 50 miles northwest of Detroit. According to local authorities, the suspect deliberately crashed his vehicle into the church before exiting and firing on worshippers inside.
- Casualties: At least one person lost their life, while more than nine were injured, and a few of them are said to be in critical condition.
- Shooter status: The police have announced that the perpetrator, a 40-year-old man from Burton, Michigan, has been brought under control at the site.
- Emergency response: The police from the local area, Genesee County Sheriff’s deputies, and agents from the FBI and ATF all went to the scene. Firefighters worked hard to extinguish a tough fire inside the church, which partially collapsed due to the incident.
Officials are working to account for all parishioners and confirm the final toll of the attack.
Witness Testimonies & Official Statements
Eyewitnesses recounted the frenzy and the lack of organization that accompanied the events. “We were in the chapel when a loud bang was heard and gunfire followed,” said an unnamed member of the congregation. “People were screaming and trying to get out.”
The Governor of Michigan Gretchen Whitmer labeled the event as ‘heartbreaking and senseless.’ She requested the residents to pray for the victims and their families. The LDS leaders locally gave the news of the shooting, shock, and sadness. They declared the faith community’s strength in adversity.
According to Grand Blanc Township Police Chief Brian Lipe, “It is a sad event for our community.” He added, “Thanks to the very efficient law enforcement and the quick work of the first responders, the incident was brought under control before it could extend.”
Incident Video
🚨UPDATE: The suspect is a 40-year-old male from Burton Michigan who rammed his truck into the Church of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc then shot multiple people. He then set church on fire. Police shot him dead and Police believe victims are still inside the burnt church. pic.twitter.com/iIsNIem2tO
— Algovich (@Algovich_) September 28, 2025
Investigation & Current Status
Law enforcement has promised people that there is no danger at the present time. The church area is still closed as agents from the FBI and ATF collect evidence and investigate.
Although a reason for the incident has not been given by officials, detectives are looking into the perpetrator’s history and whether he might have connections with the church community.
The Firearms and Explosives Authority announced that agents from the federal government are helping in the process of identification of the weapon used in the commission of the crime and to establish if there were any detonations or accelerants that helped start the fire.
Broader Community & National Impact
The Grand Blanc shooting has left the faith communities of Michigan in shock. A reunification center that was established close by to ensure the safety of the loved ones was visited by families.
Leaders both from religion and democracy turned their faces against the assault and sent their sympathies to the victims. Experts in security remarked on a worrying trend of such attacks at religious buildings all over the country.
“Normally, the safety of congregants ought not to be doubted when they come together to worship,” stated The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints headquarters in Salt Lake City in a statement.
Conclusion & Next Steps
Grand Blanc’s calamity, on one hand, reveals the delicacy of the communities of faith, and on the other, their stamina. While the detectives are on the lookout for a motive, people are starting to mourn and recover, which is quite a trying process.
We are told by officials that there will be more information available as they delve deeper into the case.
If you want to keep abreast of the news as it happens, this page will be your best bet, as it will be regularly updated with new information.
