Around 100 people gathered for a prayer service at The River Church in Grand Blanc, Michigan, on Sunday evening, just hours after a gunman attacked a nearby Mormon chapel.
The congregation lifted up victims, their families and the members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where four people were killed and eight others injured.
The death toll from the assault rose to four, and eight others were injured after a gunman drove a pickup truck through the chapel doors, set the building ablaze and opened fire during a service. Police later identified the attacker as 40-year-old Thomas Jacob Sanford, who was killed by officers after an exchange of gunfire.
Authorities said hundreds of worshippers were inside at the time, with many shielding children and helping move them to safety. The bodies of two victims were discovered during searches of debris at the burned building.
James Dier of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives said the gunman apparently used gas to start the fire and had explosive devices, although it was not yet clear whether they were deployed. Michigan State Police said bomb threats were made at other churches in the area after officers shot and killed Sanford; no bombs were found.
“Places of worship are meant to be sanctuaries of peacemaking, prayer and connection. We pray for peace and healing for all involved,” said Doug Anderson, a spokesman for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Striking nurses at nearby Henry Ford Genesys Hospital left the picket line to help first responders.
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer called the incident “unacceptable.” US President Donald Trump wrote on social media that he had been briefed on the shooting, and urged: “PRAY for the victims, and their families. THIS EPIDEMIC OF VIOLENCE IN OUR COUNTRY MUST END, IMMEDIATELY!”
Local authorities said the FBI was sending agents to assist in the investigation.
The shooting occurred the morning after Russell M. Nelson, the 101-year-old president of the Utah-based church, died. Church protocol points to Dallin H. Oaks as the expected next president.
Church leaders said they are cooperating with investigators and monitoring the conditions of those affected.
