() Eyewitness accounts are beginning to be heard about the shooting and fire at a Mormon church in Michigan on Sunday.
Paul Kirby, present in the church when the gunfire erupted, shared with the New York Times that he initially heard what resembled an explosion. Additionally, he mentioned to the publication that upon seeking assistance, he noticed a man, mere yards away, exiting his truck and beginning to open fire.
“The scaredest I’ve ever been,” Kirby said.
According to police reports, the gunman, aged 40, crashed his vehicle into the church’s entrance before shooting at the congregation. The shooter was killed after exchanging gunfire with law enforcement officers.
Phillip Cotter, who belongs to the Grand Blanc LDS Church, stated to the Detroit Free Press that he was familiar with everyone present in the church. Cotter was absent during the Sunday service.
“Evil is alive, it’s active,” said Cotter. “People are too casual to throw out terms that inflame others, weak minds.”
Tony Deck, a local of Grand Blanc, Michigan, mentioned that he was on his backyard patio when he heard sirens from a street located less than 350 yards from the church. Deck noted the devastation of the church building.
At some point during the shooting, a fire broke out, which the shooter is believed to have set. That fire has since been extinguished.
There is no threat to the public at this time, according to a Facebook post by the Grand Blanc Township Police Department.
