Two people were killed and eight wounded at a Mormon church in Grand Blanc, Michigan. An armed man rammed his car into the church door and opened fire, American media reported on Sunday.
Local police reported that the attack on the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc, 100 km northwest of Detroit, took place at around 10:25 a.m. local time during Sunday morning services, which were attended by hundreds of people. The attacker rammed his car into the door of the temple.
The suspected shooter, 40-year-old Thomas Jacob Sanford, also set fire to the church building. Authorities warn that they have not yet fully searched the building, as it is not yet safe to enter, and more victims may be found.
The attacker, armed with an automatic weapon, was shot dead by police. The police have no other suspects. Nine victims are known to have suffered gunshot wounds. They are in hospital, with several in critical condition.
The police have announced that the suspect’s home is being searched and mobile phone data is being examined. The police have not yet commented on his motives. The Grand Blanc Police Department also reported that it is being assisted by about 100 FBI agents.
US President Donald Trump called the shooting “yet another targeted attack on Christians in the United States of America” on his Truth Social network.
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, a Democrat, condemned the attacker, emphasising that “violence is unacceptable anywhere, let alone in a place of worship.”
