Michigan church shooting leaves multiple victims; police say shooter 'down'

A gunman was "down" after setting a fire and shooting multiple people at a Michigan church where hundreds were attending service on Sunday, authorities said.

The active shooter situation unfolded just before 10:30 a.m. local time at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc Township, the Grand Blanc Township Police Department said in a post on social media.

"There are multiple victims and the shooter is down," police said. "There is NO threat to the public at this time. The church is actively on fire."

Grand Blanc Township Police Chief William Renye told reporters at a press conference that the suspect is a 40-year-old male from Burton.

"He drove his vehicle through the front doors of the church," Renye said. "He then exited his vehicle, firing several rounds at individuals within the church. Ten gunshot victims have been transported to local hospitals at this time, including one who has been deceased."

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Renye said two responding officers met the suspect and engaged in gunfire, killing the suspect, who was armed with what appeared to be an assault rifle. Police said that a motive was still under investigation and did not immediately release the suspect's identity to the public.

Renye said there may be more victims as authorities begin to search the burned structure following the large fire.

"We do believe that there was people up there that were near that fire and they were unable to get out of the church," the police chief said. "So we do believe that we will find additional victims once we're able to search."

President Donald Trump posted on his Truth Social platform that he has been briefed on the "horrendous" shooting that appeared to target Christians.

"The FBI was immediately on scene, and will be leading the Federal Investigation, and providing full support to State and Local Officials," Trump wrote. "The suspect is dead, but there is still a lot to learn. This appears to be yet another targeted attack on Christians in the United States of America. The Trump Administration will keep the Public posted, as we always do. In the meantime, PRAY for the victims, and their families. THIS EPIDEMIC OF VIOLENCE IN OUR COUNTRY MUST END, IMMEDIATELY!"

Vice President JD Vance also reacted to the shooting, asking for prayers for the victims and first responders.

"Just an awful situation in Michigan," Vance posted on X. "FBI is on the scene and the entire administration is monitoring things."

U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi said she was receiving briefings about the "horrific shooting" and fire at the church.

"Such violence at a place of worship is heartbreaking and chilling," Bondi said in a post on X. "Please join me in praying for the victims of this terrible tragedy."

Bondi said that agents with the FBI and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) were heading to the scene.

Video from the scene shows dark billowing smoke rising into the air and multiple firetrucks working to extinguish the fire. Medical responders were seen rolling several gurneys toward the church while law enforcement officials in tactical gear were also on the scene.

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A spokesperson for Henry Ford Health confirmed to Fox News that its hospital "is receiving patients from a shooting at a nearby church."

Renye said multiple victims were in critical condition.

Church services for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are typically two hours long, with the services at this location starting at 10 a.m. with a sacrament service. Based on initial reports of the shooting, it appears the shooting happened during the sacrament service when the congregation was gathered in the chapel.

A spokesperson for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints called the shooting a "tragic act of violence" in a statement to Fox News.

"During Sunday worship services a gunman opened fire, and early reports indicate that multiple individuals were injured," the statement said. "We ask for cooperation with local authorities as details become available."

The church said it is working with local law enforcement as the investigation continues, and thanked all emergency responders who are helping victims and families.

"We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of prayers and concern from so many people around the world," the statement said. "In moments of sorrow and uncertainty, we find strength and comfort through our faith in Jesus Christ. Places of worship are meant to be sanctuaries of peacemaking, prayer and connection. We pray for peace and healing for all involved."

Fox News' Garrett Tenney contributed to this report.