At least one person was killed and at least nine were injured in a shooting at a Mormon church in the US state of Michigan, police announced at a press conference in the small town of Grand Blanc in the state of Michigan, world agencies reported, quoted by BTA.
The alleged perpetrator, a 40-year-old man, is also dead, authorities reported, quoted by DPA.
The incident occurred during a service attended by hundreds of people. Police believe the alleged perpetrator intentionally drove a car into the church's entrance before exiting and opening fire with an automatic rifle.
A fire also broke out during the attack, which police suspect was intentionally started by the attacker, but has since been extinguished. Investigators are working to determine when and where the fire started.
Police suspect that some people near the flames were unable to escape the church and more bodies are expected to be found as the building is searched.
"This looks like yet another targeted attack on Christians in the United States of America," US President Donald Trump commented on his "Truth Social" platform. "The suspect is dead, but there is still much to be clarified," he added. "This epidemic of violence in our country must stop immediately!" Trump stressed. The attack took place less than three weeks after the murder of conservative influencer Charlie Kirk, notes Agence France-Presse. "The FBI immediately arrived on the scene and will lead the federal investigation, while providing full support to local and regional authorities," Donald Trump said. One hundred federal agents have been mobilized, the local police chief said. "Such violence in a place of worship is shocking and frightening. I invite you to join me in praying for the victims of this terrible tragedy," he wrote in "Ex" Attorney General Pam Bondi.
After the murder of Charlie Kirk on September 10, without the motive for it being immediately known, the American right-wing led by Trump quickly accused the left of being responsible for the climate of political violence that prevails in the country and spoke of "domestic terrorism", recalls AFP.