Arizona Leaders Respond to Michigan Church Shooting

Arizona political leaders issued statements Sunday following a shooting at a Michigan church that resulted in multiple casualties and a fire at the building.

Representative Yassamin Ansari released a statement addressing the incident and broader concerns about gun violence at places of worship.

"Another horrifying act of gun violence at a place of worship. My heart is with the victims and families," Ansari said. "It is a stain on our country—and a national disgrace—that this epidemic continues unchecked. Enough is enough."

Karrin Taylor Robson also commented on the event. "Praying for peace and for all those impacted by this horrific act of violence," Robson stated.

Attorney General Kris Mayes also responded to the incident. "I'm horrified by the shooting and arson at a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Michigan this morning—and praying for those attacked as they were attending their Sunday services. This is beyond heartbreaking and unacceptable," Mayes stated.

Kari Lake noted the timing of the tragedy for the Latter-day Saints community. "It's been a tragic 24 hours for our beloved friends in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. First, with the loss of their president, Russell Nelson, over the weekend. And with the heinous attack on the church in Michigan this morning," she shared on social media. “To attack people who have joined together in prayer is truly depraved. I send my condolences to everyone impacted."

The Tragedy

The incident occurred Sunday morning at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on McCandlish Road in Grand Blanc Township, Michigan. Emergency services received calls before 11 a.m. on September 28, 2025.

Police confirmed the shooter was deceased and announced no ongoing threat to the public by 11:25 a.m. First responders found the church building on fire upon arrival. The fire was contained by 12:45 p.m.

Authorities established two reunification sites for those affected, a pavilion located north of the church and the Trillium Theater, situated at Holly and McCandlish roads.

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer addressed the situation on social media. "My heart is breaking for the Grand Blanc community," she expressed. "Violence anywhere, especially in a place of worship, is unacceptable."

“I am grateful to the first responders who took action quickly. We will continue to monitor this situation and hold the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc close,” Governor Whitmer concluded. 

Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson confirmed that coordination is underway between federal, state, and local authorities in the ongoing investigation.

The statements from Arizona leaders were among numerous responses from elected officials nationwide following the incident.

President Donald J. Trump confirmed federal involvement in the investigation: "I have been briefed on the horrendous shooting that took place at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, in Grand Blanc, Michigan. The FBI was immediately on scene, and will be leading the Federal Investigation.”

As the investigation continues, local and federal authorities are working to determine the circumstances surrounding the attack. Community members have been asked to avoid the area while law enforcement processes the scene.