This story was originally published by the WND News Center.
Two people have reportedly been killed and seven injured after a gunman crashed a truck into a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints during services in Grand Blanc, Michigan. The wounded include three children. The gunman then opened fire and set the church ablaze using a "flammable accelerant." At this time, the suspect has been "neutralized" by an off-duty police officer who had been attending the service, and there is no danger to the public.
According to Cedar News, Marcus Hale, a 42-year-old Grand Blanc resident and former Army veteran, has been officially identified as the gunman. Local police, FBI investigating. The FBI is on scene and will be leading the federal investigation into the incident, providing support to state and local officials. Genesee County Sheriff's Office calls the Grand Blanc scene "dynamic" as the entire Mormon Church remains on fire.
Cedar News reports:
"Marcus Hale was a former U.S. Army service member with a documented history of mental health struggles, including PTSD. According to law enforcement, he had expressed anti-Mormon rhetoric online, and investigators are now exploring whether the attack was motivated by religious bias or personal grudges.
"Authorities have not recovered a manifesto, but Hale's digital footprint and personal connections are now under intense review. His online posts reportedly targeted the LDS Church, raising concerns about ideologically driven violence."
CNN reports children are among the victims of the shooting. Scanner reveals authorities removed an IED from the truck that crashed into the building.
Fox News reports, "A spokesperson for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints said early indications show the gunman in Sunday's Michigan church shooting does not appear to have any connection to the congregation."
President Trump says this appears to be another targeted attack on Christians in the United States. The incident highlights rising church attacks, prompting urgent calls for enhanced security measures.
President Trump responds to the church shooting and attack in Grand Blanc, Michigan.
The fire has been contained.
