By Alaa Elassar and Maureen Chowdhury, CNN
The blaze in Flint, Michigan.
Photo: Julie J / CNN
At least one person was killed and nine others were wounded in a shooting at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc, Michigan, according to police.
Authorities say the shooter rammed their vehicle through the front of the church during a large service and began shooting. Officers killed the gunman.
Police say the shooter intentionally started a fire at the church, which grew into a large blaze. Officers believe they will find additional victims when it is safe to enter the building.
Police are urging the public to avoid the area as emergency response efforts continue.
Grand Blanc Township Police Chief William Renye said police have identified the suspect as a 40-year-old man from Burton, Michigan.
“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,” Renye said.
Grand Blanc is a suburb of Flint, Michigan, and is located about an hour’s drive north of Detroit.
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer says she is receiving updates.
“My heart is breaking for the Grand Blanc community,” Whitmer wrote in a post on X.
“Violence anywhere, especially in a place of worship, is unacceptable. 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.”
Attorney General Pam Bondi posted on X that she is receiving briefings on today’s shooting at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc, Michigan.
“I am receiving briefings about what appears to be a horrific shooting and fire at an LDS church in Grand Blanc, Michigan,” Bondi wrote, adding the FBI and ATF will be assisting local authorities.
“Such violence at a place of worship is heartbreaking and chilling. Please join me in praying for the victims of this terrible tragedy,” Bondi added.
FBI Director Kash Patel also posted on X that the agency is “tracking reports of the horrific shooting and fire at an LDS church in Grand Blanc, Michigan.”
Patel confirmed the FBI will be assisting local authorities.
“Violence in a place of worship is a cowardly and criminal act. Our prayers are with the victims and their families during this terrible tragedy,” Patel wrote.
More to come.
– CNN live coverage