Two dead, nine injured in US Mormon church shooting

A gunman opened fire inside a Michigan church during Sunday services before apparently setting the building ablaze, killing at least two people and injuring nine before police shot him, authorities said.

Hundreds of people were inside The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc Township, a small community northwest of Detroit, when a 40-year-old man rammed his vehicle into the front door, then exited the vehicle and started shooting, police chief William Renye told reporters.

Police believe he “deliberately” set the building on fire.

After the suspect left the church, two officers pursued him and “engaged in gunfire,” Mr Renye said. The man was killed.

Flames and smoke could be seen for hours before the blaze was put out.

First responders were then sifting through the wreckage.

“We do believe we will find some additional victims once we find the area where the fire was,” Mr Renye said.

Police said they did not yet have a motive for the fire or shooting. Investigators were searching the suspect’s residence in nearby Burton.

Authorities did not provide any additional details about the suspect, including whether he was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, widely known as the Mormon church.

Watch: Police give update on shooting at Michigan church

US President Donald Trump said he has been briefed on the shooting incident in Michigan.

“The FBI was immediately on scene, and will be leading the Federal Investigation, and providing full support to State and local officials,” he wrote on his Truth Social site.

Mr Trump added: “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.

“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!”

Police have urged the public to avoid the area and gave details of reunification sites nearby.

US Attorney General Pamela Bondi said she is receiving briefings on “what appears to be a horrific shooting and fire” at the church in Grand Blanc.

FBI and ATF agents are en route to the scene, Ms Bondi said.

“Such violence at a place of worship is heartbreaking and chilling. Please join me in praying for the victims of this terrible tragedy,” she said in a post on X.

The church, circled by a car park and a large lawn, is located near residential areas and a Jehovah’s Witness church. It is in Grand Blanc Township, a community of roughly 40,000 people outside Flint.

Michigan governor Gretchen Whitmer said in a statement that her heart was breaking for the Grand Blanc community.

“Violence anywhere, especially in a place of worship, is unacceptable,” she said.

The shooting occurred the morning after Russell M Nelson, the oldest-ever president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, died at 101.

The next president of the faith, known widely as the Mormon church, is expected to be Dallin H Oaks, as per church protocol.

Additional reporting Reuters