Gunman rams truck into Mormon church and kills one in mass shooting
- - Gunman rams truck into Mormon church and kills one in mass shooting
Susie CoenSeptember 29, 2025 at 3:56 AM
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A 40-year-old man rammed his pick-up truck into the church before firing at worshippers - Lukas Katilius/The Flint Journal
One person has been killed and nine injured after a gunman opened fire in a Mormon church on Sunday morning.
A 40-year-old man rammed his pick-up truck into the church in Grand Blanc, Michigan, before firing an assault rifle at worshippers, William Renye, the town’s police chief, said.
The gunman was killed by a police officer after shooting at least 10 people. Multiple victims were in critical condition, Mr Renye said, adding that he believes “we will find additional victims once we have that scene secure”.
The shooting happened at 10:25am, according to Mr Renye, when the church was delivering its Sunday service.
Police also believe the suspect set fire to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS). This was extinguished.
Pictures showed a silver vehicle with American flags attached rammed into the church’s red-brick wall.
Flames and smoke rise from the church after the shooting in Grand Blanc, Michigan
Paul Kirby, who was among the hundreds of worshippers gathered inside the church when the gunman went on his rampage, said he heard what sounded like an explosion outside.
Mr Kirby, 38, told the New York Times when he went to help he saw a man around 20 yards away from him getting out of his truck who began firing at people.
A bullet went through the glass door next to him and his leg was struck by a piece of shrapnel.
He said he was “the scaredest I’ve ever been”.
Police are reportedly investigating whether the shooting was linked to the death of Russel M Nelson, the president of the LDS.
Mr Nelson, who became the leader of the church in 2018, died on Saturday night, aged 101.
Neighbours look on as emergency services respond to the shooting and fire - Emily Elconin/Getty Images
Donald Trump said he had been briefed on the “horrendous shooting” and the FBI will lead the investigation into the attack.
“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”, Mr Trump wrote on Truth Social.
He added: “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!”
Doug Andersen, spokesman for the LDS, said “multiple individuals were injured” in a “tragic act of violence”.
“The Church is in communication with local law enforcement as the investigation continues and as we receive updates on the condition of those affected,” he said.
He added: “Places of worship are meant to be sanctuaries of peacemaking, prayer and connection. We pray for peace and healing for all involved.”
Sunday’s attack marks the second mass shooting in a church in the US in as many months. In August, gunman Robin Westman opened fire at a church at a Catholic school in Minneapolis, killing children Harper Moyski, 10, and Fletcher Merkel, eight, and injuring 21 others.
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Source: “AOL General News”
