Targeted Attack on Christians in America, Says Trump, as FBI Probes Deadly Church Shooting in Michigan; Shooter Down
A gunman rammed his car into a packed Sunday service at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc, Michigan, before opening fire on congregants, killing at least one person and injuring nine others. Authorities say the suspect, a 40-year-old man from Burton, was armed and deliberate in his attack, which also involved setting fire to the church building.
Grand Blanc Township Police Chief William Renye confirmed the suspect drove his vehicle through the church’s front entrance before exiting and firing multiple rounds at those inside. “He then exited his vehicle firing several rounds at individuals within the church,” Renye said. Some victims are in critical condition, and officials warn the toll may rise as search operations continue.
MICHIGAN CHURCH SHOOTING | LATEST:
— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) September 28, 2025
- 40-year-old gunman rammed front doors of Mich. Church
- At least 10 people were shot; conditions unknown
- Police fear people trapped inside when fire was set
- Gunman was taken out by officers pic.twitter.com/BMb7YGUP5T
In what officials describe as a coordinated act of violence, the suspect is believed to have intentionally started the fire that engulfed the building.
“There was a fire that occurred and we believe that was deliberately set by the suspect,” Renye said, adding that the blaze had just been extinguished by local firefighters.
The motive remains under investigation, but the incident has already triggered national concern. Law enforcement agencies including the FBI and ATF have deployed resources to support local authorities.
A secure perimeter remains in place around the church, and residents have been urged to avoid the area amid ongoing emergency operations.The church building was also engulfed in flames shortly after the incident, prompting a full-scale emergency lockdown in the area.
At the scene in Grand Blanc, Michigan.
— Anna Matson (@AnnaRMatson) September 28, 2025
A man ran his car into the a church and started shooting. Family members are waiting to be reunited with their loved ones.
A little girl has been shot in the back and many people have blood on their clothes.
Please pray for the victims… pic.twitter.com/GkoNHDruEW
Officers fatally shot the gunman after an exchange of fire inside the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc, Michigan, police chief William Renye confirmed.
The armed confrontation involved two officers—one from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and another from the Grand Blanc Township Police—who engaged the suspect after he drove his car through the church’s front doors and began shooting at congregants during a Sunday service.
New aerial footage shows the Grand Blanc, Michigan church engulfed in flames after a gunman opened fire and set it ablaze.
— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) September 28, 2025
Christianity is under attack.
pic.twitter.com/AexMpnCQFt
The FBI and ATF are assisting local responders. FBI Director Kash Patel called the attack a “cowardly and criminal act,” while U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi described the shooting and subsequent fire as “heartbreaking and chilling.” Both officials confirmed federal agencies are providing support.
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| Shooter Down, Children Among Injured |
I am receiving briefings about what appears to be a horrific shooting and fire at an LDS church in Grand Blanc, Michigan. @FBI and @ATFHQ agents are en route to the scene now.
— Attorney General Pamela Bondi (@AGPamBondi) September 28, 2025
Such violence at a place of worship is heartbreaking and chilling. Please join me in praying for the…
Eyewitness footage from the scene showed thick black smoke billowing from the church roof, with nearby roads cordoned off.
🚨🇺🇸BREAKING: MASS SHOOTING & FIRE AT LSD CHURCH 6-8 VICTIMS
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) September 28, 2025
Police report 6–8 victims after a shooting at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 4285 McCandlish Rd in Grand Blanc, Genesee County, just outside Flint.
The church is on fire, a 4th alarm has been called,… https://t.co/WNDpcEjgih pic.twitter.com/9LJrpibG0K
Grand Blanc, a suburb of Flint, lies about 60 miles north of Detroit. Authorities have urged residents to stay away from the area as investigations continue.
We are tracking reports of the horrific shooting and fire at an LDS church in Grand Blanc, Michigan. @FBI agents are on the scene to assist local authorities.
— FBI Director Kash Patel (@FBIDirectorKash) September 28, 2025
Violence in a place of worship is a cowardly and criminal act. Our prayers are with the victims and their families…
President Donald Trump weighed in hours later, describing the assault as “yet another targeted attack on Christians in the United States of America.”
In a statement, Trump confirmed the FBI’s leadership in the investigation and urged prayers for the victims.
“This epidemic of violence in our country must end—immediately,” he declared, adding that the Trump administration would continue to monitor and inform the public.
This is a developing story. More updates may follow.