Michigan community continues to mourn and heal after deadly church attack

GRAND BLANC, MI — A day after a gunman stormed a chapel of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, killing four and injuring eight, the small town of Grand Blanc, Michigan, continues to grapple with the tragedy. Police and investigators remain at the scene, with roadblocks still in place near the burned church building. The ages of those injured range from 6 to 78 years old.  Authorities said everyone who was inside the building has now been accounted for. “This was an act of evil,” said the town’s police chief, describing the attack as unthinkable. Witnesses said the shooter drove a pickup truck into the building before opening fire and setting it ablaze. Church member Paul Kriby, who was injured, described the terrifying moment. “We’re sitting there, and then we see the back wall of the chapel just kind of buckle. And we hear a loud boom,” Kirby said. “I saw the gun and him starting to shoot, and I turned and ran back towards the doors. I got a little bit of shrapnel in my left leg. Scariest I’ve ever been.” Genesee County Sheriff Christopher Swanson said the attack was unlike anything he’s seen in his decades of law enforcement. “We plan for this as first responders,” Swanson said. “But yesterday was a reality. I’ve seen a lot of death and violence in 30-plus years. Never this." Swanson praised church members for their bravery during the chaos, calling them heroes. “Those folks turned from that moment into, ‘we’ve got to respond and help people,’” he said. “That’s heroism. They put their life at risk, and they stood in front of people.” Throughout the day, community members gathered near the roadblock to pray and mourn. A local pastor expressed disbelief that such violence could happen in their town. “My heart mourns and our congregation mourns, as well as our community,” said Joey Beazley with the Mount Hope Church. “It’s something unimaginable.” Jeffrey Schaub, bishop of the Grand Blanc Ward, said the support from the community has been overwhelming. “These are the types of situations you think you can carry,” Schaub said. “I don’t think any of us can alone. I know the Lord is providing. I have felt a tremendous outreach.”

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