Video above: Authorities give update after shooting, fire at Michigan church (Courtesy: WXYZ)

(NEXSTAR) — A tragic incident occurred on Sunday in Grand Blanc, Michigan, where a man drove through the entrance of a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, resulting in one fatality and injuries to nine others. Authorities suspect there could be additional victims inside, as the church appears to have intentionally been set ablaze by the perpetrator.

The suspect was declared deceased after a gunfire exchange with law enforcement, Grand Blanc Township Police Chief William Renye announced during a press briefing in the afternoon.

Chief Renye reported that just before 10:30 a.m. ET, a 40-year-old man from Burton, Michigan, crashed through the LDS church’s front entrance. He then reportedly exited the vehicle and “began shooting at individuals inside the church” using an assault weapon.

There were hundreds of people in the church at the time, Renye explained during Sunday’s press conference, as a service was in session.

Ten individuals suffered gunshot injuries and were transported to nearby hospitals, with one confirmed dead, stated Renye. Several of the wounded are in critical condition as of Sunday afternoon.

An officer with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and a Grand Blanc officer were the first to respond to the scene, according to Renye.

“Authorities confronted the suspect, leading to a gunfire exchange that neutralized him,” Renye stated. “The suspect has been eliminated as a threat.”

While Renye did not give the suspect’s name during the press conference, he mentioned that search warrants would be executed and a motive sought as part of the investigation. Authorities have confirmed that there is no ongoing threat to the public.

Video below: Flames and smoke rise from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc.

Investigators have not yet determined when the fire that engulfed the church was set or where it began, though preliminary information has led police to believe the suspect did it “deliberately.” The fire has been put out, and the search for additional victims who may not have been able to escape the church is underway, authorities said Sunday afternoon.

“We do believe that we will find some additional victims once we find the area where the fire was,” Renye said.

Scott Bennett, supervisor of Grand Blanc Township, said the shooting and fire is “a tragedy that nobody wants to encounter.”

The FBI has provided agents to help investigators speak with the hundreds of people who witnessed the incident, and agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are on scene.

FBI director Kash Patel said his agency was “tracking reports of the horrific shooting and fire at an LDS church in Grand Blanc, Michigan.” Attorney General Pam Bondi is also “receiving briefings,” Nexstar’s The Hill reported.

President Donald Trump said he was briefed on the shooting. In a social media post, he wrote, “PRAY for the victims, and their families. THIS EPIDEMIC OF VIOLENCE IN OUR COUNTRY MUST END, IMMEDIATELY!”

The church, circled by a parking lot and a large lawn, is located near residential areas and a Jehovah’s Witness church in Grand Blanc. The community of roughly 40,000 people is just outside Flint.

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said in a statement that her heart is breaking for the Grand Blanc community. “Violence anywhere especially in a place of worship, is unacceptable,” she said.

The impact spread quickly to neighboring communities, including the small city that shares a name with the township.

“Although we are two separate governmental units, we are a very cohesive community,” said city of Grand Blanc Mayor John Creasey. “This sort of thing is painful for our entire community. I’m struggling to digest all that has happened, and my heart goes out to all of the affected families.”

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said in a statement that her heart was breaking for the community. “Violence anywhere especially in a place of worship, is unacceptable,” she said.

The shooting occurred the morning after Russell M. Nelson, the oldest-ever president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, died at 101. The next president of the faith, known widely as the Mormon church, is expected to be Dallin H. Oaks, per church protocol.

“The church is in communication with local law enforcement as the investigation continues and as we receive updates on the condition of those affected,” Doug Anderson, a spokesperson for Utah-based faith said in a statement.

“Places of worship are meant to be sanctuaries of peacemaking, prayer and connection. We pray for peace and healing for all involved.”

Some striking nurses at nearby Henry Ford Hospital left the picket line and ran the short distance to the church to help first responders, Teamsters Local 332 President Dan Glass learned about the shooting.

“Human lives matter more than our labor dispute,” Glass said.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.