At least two dead, nine injured in Michigan church shooting
At least two people are dead and nine others are injured following a shooting Sunday at a Mormon church in Michigan, officials have announced.
Sept. 28 (UPI) -- At least two people are dead and none others are injured following a shooting Sunday at a Mormon church in Michigan, officials have announced.
The shooter is believed to be dead and survivors are being treated at local hospitals near the Grand Blanc Township church about 50 miles north of Ann Arbor.
Hundreds of people were attending services at about 10:25 a.m. when a gunman drove a vehicle into the building and began firing with an assault-type weapon, local police said.
During a news conference, Grand Blanc Township Police Chief William Renye said the suspect, who died in the incident, began "firing several rounds at individuals within the church."
Renye said more victims may be trapped inside the burning church, some of whom may be dead.
"Officers who are trained immediately responded to the area," Renye continued. "One is a DNR (Department of Natural Resources) officer. One was a Grand Blanc Township officer. They met the suspect and engaged in gunfire with that particular individual, neutralizing the suspect, and the suspect is no longer with us."
Reyne said the gunman was a 40-year-old man from Burton, and added that it is not clear how the fire started. He said some of the victims who are hospitalized are in critical condition.
Doug Anderson, spokesman for The Church of Jesus Christ Latter-Day Saints, called the incident a "tragic act of violence."
"We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of prayers and concern from so many people around the world," Anderson said in a statement. "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."
Officials are obtaining search warrants for the suspected gunman's home, Renye added, and said authorities are planning to search for electronic devices and clues about a motive.
