Chaos erupted Sunday morning at a Michigan church when a man drove through its doors, opened fire on worshippers, and ignited a blaze that left four people dead and eight injured, shocking a community already in mourning.

The violent attack at a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints building in Grand Blanc is being investigated as a potentially targeted assault on Christians, with President Trump and church leaders calling for an end to rising religious violence, as The Hill reports.

The tragedy unfolded in Grand Blanc, a town roughly 60 miles northwest of Detroit. Parishioners were gathered for a morning service at a local Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints when the suspect rammed his vehicle into the building’s front entrance, authorities said.

After crashing into the church, the suspect began shooting at the congregants, killing four and injuring eight others. Law enforcement responded swiftly and engaged the attacker in gunfire, ultimately resulting in the suspect’s death.

The chaos escalated as the suspect set the building on fire. Emergency services struggled with the spreading flames, and the structure remained actively ablaze into the late morning hours.

Community Mourns As Flames Consume Sanctuary

The violent attack has prompted an outpouring of grief and concern from around the nation. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints issued a statement expressing sorrow and condemning the violence. The church emphasized that places of worship should be “sanctuaries of peacemaking, prayer and connection.”

The statement went on to thank those around the world who have offered prayers in response to the tragedy. “In moments of sorrow and uncertainty, we find strength and comfort through our faith in Jesus Christ,” the church said.

Adding to the emotional weight of the event, the assault came just one day after the passing of Russell Nelson, the 101-year-old president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The timing further deepened the grief among the church’s members worldwide.

Trump Says Christians Are Being Targeted

President Trump addressed the nation following the attack, saying he had been briefed on what he described as a “horrendous shooting.” Trump confirmed that the FBI is leading the federal investigation and working alongside local and state officials.

“This appears to be yet another targeted attack on Christians in the United States of America,” Trump said, urging the public to pray for the victims and their families. The president also issued a broader warning about rising violence in the nation.

“THIS EPIDEMIC OF VIOLENCE IN OUR COUNTRY MUST END, IMMEDIATELY!” Trump declared in a statement released Sunday evening. He assured the public that updates would be shared as the investigation continues.

Lawmakers and Faith Leaders Respond

Members of Congress belonging to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints expressed condolences and joined calls for peace. Rep. Andy Biggs of Arizona aligned with the president, saying, “Christianity is under attack in the United States.”

Rep. Mike Kennedy of Utah also condemned the incident, calling it a “cowardly and senseless” act that has no place in society. He joined fellow lawmakers in offering support to the affected families.

Rep. Celeste Maloy, also from Utah, reflected on the emotional turmoil facing the faith community. She urged her fellow Latter-day Saints to respond with peace, quoting the late church president’s appeal for believers to be “peacemakers.”

Attack Adds to National Concern Over Hate Crimes

The Grand Blanc shooting is the latest in a series of recent attacks on religious institutions in the U.S. Earlier this month, a Catholic school in Minnesota experienced a violent incident now under investigation by the FBI as a hate crime.

Officials have not yet confirmed a motive in the Michigan case, but the nature of the violence and its timing have intensified public alarm. National leaders are increasingly voicing concern about an apparent pattern targeting religious groups.

Investigators have begun collecting evidence from the crime scene while working to identify the deceased and notify their families. Authorities expect to release additional details about the shooter and his background in the coming days.

Calls for Unity Amid Tragedy

As emergency crews continue to assess the damage, faith leaders and public officials nationwide are urging Americans to come together. Vigils are being planned across the state to honor the victims and support the survivors.

Church leaders emphasized the need for compassion and resilience in their ongoing statements about the tragedy. Their message has been one of healing, calling on people to stand united in the face of hate and violence.

The community of Grand Blanc, shaken and grieving, now begins the difficult task of recovery. Support services and counseling have been made available to those affected by the trauma. Authorities are expected to update the public as the investigation progresses.