Spanish
At least two people have died and nine others were injured after a shooting and a fire at a Mormon church in Michigan, according to local police.
Authorities said the suspect crashed his vehicle into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc, a town located 60 miles (96 km) northwest of Detroit, on Sunday morning and opened fire.
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They added that the suspect, a 40-year-old man, set fire to the church "deliberately." The fire has already been brought under control, but officials said they fear finding more victims when it is safe to enter the building. The alleged attacker was shot by the police, reported the Grand Blanc Township Police Department, which added that there is no further threat to the public. The agents indicated that the nine injured suffered gunshot wounds and are in stable condition in the hospital. The shooting suspect was not identified. Investigators noted that they are looking for a motive and are searching the man's property, as well as his phone records. Doug Anderson, a church spokesperson, confirmed that the shooting occurred during the congregation's Sunday service, calling it a "tragic act of violence". "Places of worship should be sanctuaries of peace, prayer, and connection. We pray for the peace and healing of all involved," he added. Grand Blanc police added that 100 FBI agents have been deployed to assist in the investigation. FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed in a statement that federal agents are assisting local authorities. He called the incident "a cowardly and criminal act". U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi said in a post on X that she had received reports of "what appears to be a horrible shooting and fire" at the church. "Such violence in a place of worship is heartbreaking and shocking," Bondi said. "Please join me in prayer for the victims of this terrible tragedy." In a separate statement, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer said: "Violence anywhere, and especially in a place of worship, is unacceptable," and added that she is closely monitoring the situation.
