Shooting at Michigan Mormon Church Leaves four Dead, Eight injured
GRAND BLANC TOWNSHIP, Mich. - A shooting at a Church of Jesus christ of the Last Day Saints meetinghouse in Grand Blanc township, Michigan, left four people dead and eight injured Saturday morning, authorities confirmed. The shooter is deceased, according to police.
The incident occurred shortly after services began, following the death of Church President Russell M.Nelson,age 101,the oldest president in the church’s history.Dallin H. Oaks is expected to succeed him, in accordance with Church protocol.
Timothy Jones, 48, a member of a nearby congregation, stated his family moved to Flint two years ago attracted by the area’s strong religious community. He described the fear that gripped his congregation as news of the shooting spread during their own Sunday service,prompting a lockdown and police presence. ”His children were ‘trying to know desperately that people were fine,'” Jones said. He added that, in light of increasing violence at places of worship, a shooting “feels inevitable, and even more tragic for that.”
Doug anderson, a spokesman for the Utah-based Church, released a statement saying, “The Church is in dialog with the Local Police while the investigation continues and we recieve updates on the state of those affected.” Anderson continued, “The places of worship are destined to be sanctuaries of pacification, prayer and connection. We pray for the peace and healing of all involved.”
The impact of the shooting extended beyond the immediate congregation. Strike nurses from nearby Henry Ford Genesys hospital left their picket line to assist at the scene, according to Dan Glass, president of teamsters Local 332. ”Human lives matter more than our labor dispute,” Glass said.
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer issued a statement expressing her condolences. “Violence anywhere, especially in a place of worship, is unacceptable,” she said.
Grand Blanc Mayor John Creasey emphasized the close-knit nature of the community, stating, “Although we are two separate government units, we are a very cohesive community. This kind of thing is painful for our entire community.”
The Associated Press reported contributions from journalists in Montgomery, Alabama; Chicago; and los Angeles.
This story includes material generated with the assistance of artificial intelligence and edited by an AP editor.
