GRAND BLANC, Mich. — Authorities are piecing together details after a mass shooting and fire tore through The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc on Sunday, leaving at least one person dead, multiple others wounded, and the sanctuary in ruins. The gunman, who drove a truck into the church’s entrance before opening fire and setting the building ablaze, was shot and killed by police outside the smoldering structure.
Early reports indicate that at least 10 people were shot, with one confirmed fatality and others possibly still trapped inside the burned-out building. Drone footage showed flames ripping through the church’s roof as emergency crews fought to control the blaze. Witnesses described chaos as hundreds of worshippers scrambled for safety, with some remaining unaccounted for hours after the assault.
The attacker’s identity has not been formally released, though investigators are examining conflicting reports. Witnesses recalled hearing him referred to as a “40-year-old Iraqi veteran,” while unverified online chatter suggested the name “Marcus Hale” may be tied to extremist groups or coded references circulating on dark web forums. His truck, which displayed an Iraqi Conflict Veteran license plate, added to the speculation. Law enforcement confirmed the vehicle emitted a beeping noise before bomb squads were called to examine a possible improvised explosive device (IED) near the church grounds.
According to preliminary findings, the suspect may have been a former Army veteran with a history of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Investigators are also reviewing online activity in which he allegedly expressed anti-Mormon rhetoric, raising concerns that the massacre was fueled by religious animosity. Authorities have drawn parallels between the gunman and another recent shooter in North Carolina, both described as 40-year-old men with military ties.
Law enforcement sources confirmed that a secondary scene in Burton, believed to be linked to the suspect, is also under investigation. Witnesses described the shooter as wearing camouflage pants during the attack, though many congregants said they did not personally recognize him. Officials are now working to verify whether he acted alone or had ties to extremist networks.
At least 15 to 20 emergency vehicles swarmed the church along South Saginaw Street, with bomb technicians, firefighters, and multiple police agencies converging on the scene. Officials have urged the public to avoid the area as investigations continue. A press conference scheduled for 12:45 p.m. ET is expected to provide updates on the suspect’s identity, casualty numbers, and the potential explosive device.