At Least 10 Shot, Suspect Dead After Attack and Fire at Grand Blanc LDS Church
GRAND BLANC, Mich. — Authorities are investigating a catastrophic act of violence at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc, where a man rammed a vehicle into the building, opened fire on worshippers, and set the church ablaze. Officials say at least 10 people have been shot, with others still unaccounted for inside the burned structure.
Suspect Identified
Police have identified the suspect as 40-year-old Benjamin Johnson of Burton, Michigan. Investigators say Johnson deliberately drove his truck into the church during Sunday morning services, sparking panic and destruction before unleashing gunfire on those inside and outside the building.
Authorities confirmed that Johnson was shot and killed by police during the incident. It remains unclear whether he acted alone or if anyone else may have been involved in planning the attack.
Chaos Inside the Church
Witnesses described a terrifying scene as gunshots echoed throughout the sanctuary and flames began consuming the building. Congregants scrambled to escape, but law enforcement officials say the rapid spread of the fire may have trapped people inside.
“This was a deliberate, targeted act of violence in a house of worship,” one law enforcement official said at the scene. “We are working as fast as possible to account for every victim.”
Fire Destroys Building, Search for Victims Ongoing
After Johnson crashed his vehicle into the building, flames quickly engulfed the church. Fire crews battled the blaze for hours, but by the time it was under control, much of the roof had collapsed.
Authorities now fear that some victims remain inside the charred structure, though recovery efforts are hampered by dangerous conditions. Heavy equipment is being brought in to assist search teams once the fire is fully extinguished.
Casualties and Missing Persons
Officials confirmed that at least 10 people were shot, though they caution that the number could rise as search and rescue efforts continue. In addition to the gunshot victims, several congregants are still listed as missing. Hospitals in the area have received multiple patients, but their conditions have not yet been released.
Massive Law Enforcement Response
The attack drew a swift and overwhelming response from local police, the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, the Michigan State Police, and federal agencies including the FBI and ATF. More than a dozen emergency vehicles were seen along South Saginaw Road as officers secured the area and fire crews fought the inferno.
Police have emphasized that the situation is contained and that there is no ongoing threat to the public.
Community and State Leaders React
The tragedy has stunned the Grand Blanc community, a city of just over 8,000 residents. Many gathered at designated reunification sites, including the Trillium Theater and a nearby pavilion, anxiously waiting for word about loved ones.
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer expressed heartbreak over the attack, calling it “a dark day for our state” and pledging full state resources to assist victims and investigators. “Violence has no place in our houses of worship,” Whitmer said.
Investigation Underway
Authorities have not yet discussed a possible motive for the attack. Investigators are combing through Johnson’s background in Burton, Michigan, and searching for clues about what led him to carry out such a violent and destructive act.
A press conference is expected later today, where officials will provide updates on the number of victims, the ongoing recovery efforts inside the church, and more details about the suspect.
This is a developing story, and further updates are expected as authorities release more confirmed information.
