GENESEE COUNTY, Mich. – Hundreds of Grand Blanc Township community members gathered under a sunset sky Tuesday to honor the victims and survivors of last week’s attack at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where four people were killed and eight others were injured.
“Tonight we take back Grand Blanc by renouncing this act and celebrating our resilience,” said Dr. Trevor Alward, Superintendent of Grand Blanc Community Schools.
The gathering came nine days after a gunman crashed his truck into the church’s front doors, opened fire on worshippers, and set the building ablaze.
Bishop Jeffrey Schaub of the Grand Blanc Ward, surrounded by local faith leaders, offered words of hope.
“Thank you, Grand Blanc family, for loving thy neighbors through their tribulations,” Schaub said. “We know with faith and hope we will be well. We can be healed, and we will find joy.”
The ceremony included a standing ovation for first responders, who arrived at the scene within 30 seconds of the initial 911 call.
“You are the steady hands in chaos. The calm in crisis and the strength that carries us when we cannot carry ourselves,” said Leigh LaForest, President of the Grand Blanc Chamber of Commerce.
Township Supervisor Scott Bennet pledged that the tragedy would not define the community.
“We are going to be here for you. Not just today. Not just tomorrow, but for the long term,” Bennet said. “You are part of us, and we will walk this difficult road with you.”
Local officials have established a “Victim Compassion Fund” to support those impacted by the tragedy.
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