GRAND BLANC (WWJ) -- A horrific Sunday morning in Grand Blanc Township after a man drives his truck into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and opens fire before setting the church on fire.
Four people are dead, eight others injured. Police say two people were shot and two others were found in the rubble of the church, which was destroyed by the fire.
The scene is still active this morning. Investigators blocked off streets to the church as they continue their search for any other possible victims.
Township Police Chief William Renye called the incident "tragic" and praised the parishioners who helped save children and others.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer ordered all U.S. and Michigan flags to be lowered to half-staff on all public buildings and grounds across the state through Friday. The Governor also encourages local businesses, schools and residents to lower their flags as well.
Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson responded to the scene Sunday, he joined WWJ this morning with his reaction to the shooting.
Swanson grew up in Grand Blanc and graduated from Grand Blanc High School in 1990. He was on his way to church himself, when he got the active shooter call from a lieutenant.
“That’s why you prepare everywhere. You can’t say it won’t happen in my backyard and this is an example of that,” said Swanson. “For people that know a first responder, just reach out to them to give them a thanks today.”
Dozens of businesses are coming together in this time of uncertainty. Parlor Doughnuts on S. Saginaw Street is offering a free donut and coffee for first responders today. The Holly Cafe is offering a free cup of soup and drink to first responders through Oct. 6.
U.S. Senator Elissa Slotkin said, “Now is the time for compassion, for comforting those who are grieving, and for standing shoulder to shoulder as one community.”
The Grand Blanc Police Department is offering counseling services starting at 8 a.m. on Monday. Sen. Slotkin called services like these "very important" in the aftermath of mass shootings in communities like Oxford and East Lansing.
Nationally, President Donald Trump posted to Truth Social saying the FBI immediately responded to the scene and will lead the federal investigation into the shooting and will provide "full support" to state and local officials.
Mr. Trump added: "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!"
Former U.S. Sen. Mitt Romney, a Michigan native and member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, said on social media," Tragedy in Michigan as my brothers and sisters and their church are targets of violence. Praying for healing and comforting."