Smoke billows from The Church of Latter-Day Saints in Grand Blanc, Michigan, where police say a mass shooting took place on Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025.
Emergency services are seen near the intersection of Holly Road and McCandlish Road in Grand Blanc on Sunday, Sept 28, 2025.
The Grand Blance Township police department following a shooting at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc on Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025.
Davison Township Police block an intersection near the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc as smoke billows in the background on Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025.

At least two people have died and multiple others were injured following a mass shooting and fire at a church in Grand Blanc, Michigan, on Sunday, Sept. 28, police said.

The incident occurred at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, according to a post from the Grand Blanc Township Police Department at 11:12 a.m. ET.

"There are multiple victims and the shooter is down," police said. The department said there is no threat to the public, but urged people to avoid the area.

Federal law enforcement, including officials from the FBI and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, responded to the scene, Attorney General Pam Bondi said.

Grand Blanc is a city of 7,700 people, located about 60 miles northwest of Detroit.

Here's what to know about the shooting.

What happened in the Grand Blanc, Michigan church shooting and fire?

At the time of the shooting, Grand Blanc Township Police Chief William Renye said hundreds of people were attending Sunday service at the church. The suspect used an assault rifle, according to police.

Responding officers "engaged in gunfire" with the suspect, according to Renye. "That suspect is no longer with us," Renye said.

Officials initially said the church was on fire, and people were evacuated. At 12:43 p.m. ET, the Grand Blanc Police reported that the blaze was contained.

The total number of victims could increase because there were people inside the building near the fire that couldn’t get out, police said.

Who is suspected in the church shooting?

The shooter's identity has not been made public, but during a news conference, Renye said that a 40-year-old man from Burton drove his vehicle through the doors of the church.

He then exited the vehicle and fired "several rounds" at people inside the church," Renye added. The victims were transported to nearby hospitals.

Police said they will be conducting search warrants on the suspect's residence and look into cellphone records. Several law enforcement agencies were assisting local authorities in the investigation, including the FBI, Michigan State Police, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

Trump, Michigan governor respond to shooting

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer acknowledged the shooting in a statement on X, stating that officials are monitoring the situation.

"My heart is breaking for the Grand Blanc community. Violence anywhere, especially in a place of worship, is unacceptable," Whitmer wrote.

"I am grateful to the first responders who took action quickly. We will continue to monitor the situation and hold the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Grand Blanc close."

In a post on Truth Social, President Donald Trump called the incident "horrendous" and a "targeted attack on Christians in the United States of America."

"PRAY for the victims, and their families," Trump added. "THIS EPIDEMIC OF VIOLENCE IN OUR COUNTRY MUST END, IMMEDIATELY!"

Shooting follows death of church's president

The shooting comes after the president of the church, Russell M. Nelson, died around 10 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 27. He was 101 years old.

Nelson is survived by his wife, Wendy; eight of his 10 children from his first marriage; 57 grandchildren; and more than 167 great-grandchildren.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints stated that it is cooperating with authorities amid the ongoing investigation.

“We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of prayers and concern from so many people around the world. In moments of sorrow and uncertainty, we find strength and comfort through our faith in Jesus Christ," church spokesperson Doug Andersen said in a statement.

"Places of worship are meant to be sanctuaries of peacemaking, prayer and connection. We pray for peace and healing for all involved."

This story has been updated to add new information.

Taylor Ardrey is a news reporter for USA TODAY. You can reach her at tardrey@gannett.com.

Contributing: Kathryn Palmer, Kristen Jordan Shamus, Karissa Waddick, USA TODAY NETWORK

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 2 dead, multiple people injured in Michigan church shooting, fire. Here's what to know.

Reporting by Taylor Ardrey, USA TODAY / USA TODAY

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