Multiple people were shot at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc, Michigan, on Sunday, according to local police. Authorities confirmed that the shooter is down and that there is no ongoing threat to the public.
The incident occurred at the church, located about 50 miles north of Detroit, and the building was on fire.
Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson described the situation as a “dynamic scene,” stating that the entire church was on fire and the area had been evacuated. Local and federal authorities are on site. Swanson said authorities will release more details later, noting there are “a lot of things that are happening that we are not able to communicate just because of the work that needs to be done.”
Authorities have not released details on the victims’ conditions.
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer released a statement saying her heart is breaking for the Grand Blanc community. She added, “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 (Mormon church), died at 101. The next president of the faith is expected to be Dallin H. Oaks, according to church protocol.
The church is located near residential areas and a Jehovah’s Witness church in Grand Blanc, a community of roughly 8,000 people just outside Flint.
Source: A.P. Photo: Julie J.