Grand Blanc, Michigan — A horrific scene unfolded Sunday morning at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc, where a gunman rammed his truck into the front entrance, opened fire on worshippers, and set the building ablaze. At least 10 people were shot, with one confirmed fatality so far, though authorities warn that additional victims may still be inside the fire-damaged church.
The suspect, described as a 40-year-old male, was fatally shot by police outside the smoldering structure. His truck, which bore an Iraq Conflict Veteran license plate and displayed the word IRAQ in large lettering, is now at the center of the investigation.
Uncertainty Over the Name “Marcus Hale”
In the chaotic aftermath, one name has surfaced repeatedly: Marcus Hale. Yet, authorities have not officially confirmed this identity.
Some unverified online chatter suggests that “Marcus Hale” may not even refer to a specific individual but instead to a term or code linked to extremist movements circulating on dark web forums. Others argue that Hale may indeed be the suspect, with eyewitnesses reporting hearing the name during the attack.
Adding to the confusion, multiple witnesses described the shooter as a “40-year-old Iraqi veteran” — though it remains unclear if this indicated his ethnicity or military background.
Violent Attack on Worshippers
According to Grand Blanc Police, the attack began when the suspect drove his truck into the church’s front doors around 10:30 a.m. Services were underway, with several hundred worshippers inside at the time.
The man then opened fire with an assault-style rifle, striking at least 10 people before reportedly setting the church on fire.
Drone footage captured the terrifying aftermath as flames tore through the building. Portions of the roof collapsed as smoke billowed into the sky. Emergency crews are still battling the fire.
Suspect Fatally Shot, Explosive Fears Raised
The incident ended when police shot and killed the suspect outside the church. Footage from the scene shows his body near the burning structure.
Scanner reports raised new alarms when the suspect’s vehicle began emitting a beeping noise, sparking fears of a possible improvised explosive device (IED). The bomb squad was immediately deployed to investigate.
Authorities confirmed that a suspicious item was found near the church, and bomb disposal experts are now examining it.
Possible Military Background and Mental Health Struggles
Unconfirmed reports suggest the suspect may have been a former U.S. Army veteran who served in the Iraq War. If true, this would match the license plate identifiers on his truck.
Sources familiar with the investigation said he may also have had a history of mental health issues, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Online posts allegedly linked to the suspect showed anti-Mormon rhetoric, raising the possibility of a religiously motivated attack.
Witnesses Describe Chaos Inside
Several churchgoers described scenes of panic and confusion as the attack unfolded.
“He drove straight through the doors, and then there were gunshots everywhere,” one witness recalled. “People were screaming, running for the exits. Then the fire started, and the smoke came fast.”
Others reported seeing the man in camouflage pants, carrying a rifle, and shouting before opening fire.
Secondary Scene in Burton
Police also confirmed they are investigating a secondary scene in Burton, the suspect’s reported hometown. It is not yet clear how this location is connected, but law enforcement activity has been spotted in the area.
Large Emergency Response
The attack prompted a massive emergency response, with 15 to 20 emergency vehicles rushing to the scene, including local police, fire departments, ambulances, and unmarked federal units.
Officials have urged residents to avoid the area around South Saginaw Street and McCandlish Road while bomb squad operations and rescue efforts continue.
Press Conference Scheduled
A press conference is scheduled for 12:45 p.m. ET, where authorities are expected to:
- Provide an updated casualty count
- Share findings about the suspicious device
- Clarify the suspect’s identity and possible background
This remains a developing story, and officials emphasize that many details are still unconfirmed.
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