Chaos Unfolds at Latter-day Saints Meeting House in Grand Blanc
On Sunday, September 28, 2025, a peaceful morning service at a Latter-day Saints church in Grand Blanc Township, Michigan, turned into a nightmare when a gunman opened fire and set the building ablaze. Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic, heroism, and heartbreak as congregants fled for their lives.
What Happened: A Timeline of Terror
- ~10:00 AM: Congregants gather for Sunday worship.
- ~10:15 AM: Loud explosion heard—gunman crashes truck into church wall.
- ~10:16 AM: Gunfire erupts; glass doors shatter; people flee in all directions.
- ~10:20 AM: Building begins to burn; emergency responders arrive.
- ~10:30 AM: Victims covered with yellow tarps; survivors take shelter in nearby ditches.
Survivor Stories: Voices from the Scene
| Witness | Age | Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Paul Kirby | 38 | Heard explosion, saw gunman with assault-style rifle, helped family and others escape. |
| Kristin Juarez | 54 | Hid in bathroom, prepared to die—reunited with husband after hearing his voice. |
| John Juarez | 57 | Assisted wounded victims, returned to find wife, took shelter across the street. |
| Debbie Horkey | 74 | Watched horror unfold from her condo backyard; heard screams and gunshots. |
| Tony Deck | 56 | Rushed to scene with bottled water; saw bodies covered in tarps near burning church. |
Key Details from the Attack
According to witnesses:
- The gunman drove a truck directly into the church wall.
- An assault-style rifle was used in the shooting.
- The truck’s engine was still running after the driver fled or was incapacitated.
- At least two people were seen lying on the ground; yellow tarps indicated fatalities.
- Congregants helped each other escape, showing remarkable courage amid chaos.
Community in Mourning
The Grand Blanc community—known for its quiet neighborhoods and strong church ties—is reeling from the violence. Local residents like Tony Deck emphasized a simple plea: “Just respect humans.”
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Infographic: Anatomy of the Attack
