Crime
Multiple people injured after shooting at Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc, Suspect killed
Grand Blanc, Michigan — Authorities are investigating a large-scale tragedy at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on McCandlish Road in Grand Blanc, where a mass shooting, fire, and possible explosive threat unfolded Sunday morning.
Preliminary reports confirm that at least ten people were shot, including one confirmed fatality.
Police caution that the number of victims may rise as rescue operations continue, with several individuals still unaccounted for inside the heavily damaged building.
According to investigators, the suspect, a 40-year-old man from Burton, Michigan, drove a truck into the church’s front entrance before opening fire with an assault-style rifle on the congregation.
At the time of the attack, hundreds of people were inside the church. Witnesses described scenes of chaos as parishioners fled or attempted to take cover.
The suspect also reportedly set the building on fire during the assault.
Drone footage and live observations show the church fully engulfed in flames, with sections of the roof collapsing as dark smoke continues to pour from the structure.
Law enforcement officers responding to the scene engaged the suspect, who was fatally shot by police.
Authorities have confirmed that the threat posed by the shooter has been neutralized, though the scene remains highly active.
Investigators are also examining a possible explosive device discovered in a truck near the church.
Specialized units are working to determine whether the vehicle is linked to the attack and if it contains hazardous materials.
At least 15 to 20 emergency vehicles, including unmarked law enforcement units, have converged on the area.
Fire crews continue to battle the blaze, while police and federal partners secure the perimeter and coordinate evacuation efforts.
Scanner traffic suggests police believe additional victims remain inside the church, though access has been complicated by the intensity of the fire.
A press conference is scheduled for approximately 12:45 p.m. ET, where officials are expected to provide updated casualty numbers, confirm the suspect’s identity, and address the ongoing investigation into both the shooting and the potential bomb threat.
This remains a developing situation, with law enforcement urging the public to avoid the area while emergency operations are underway.
Crime
Former Texas Worship Minister and Christian Musician Jon Sheptock Arrested on Child Sexual Abuse Material Charges
MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Texas — A married Christian musician and former worship minister who once performed at a rally for former President Donald Trump has been arrested on multiple child sexual abuse material (CSAM) charges, authorities confirmed.
According to officials, Jon Sheptock, a former minister at First Montgomery Baptist Church, was taken into custody on September 26 by detectives from the Montgomery County Constable’s Human Trafficking and Child Exploitation Unit.
He faces charges of possession and production of child pornography following a detailed investigation into allegations of long-term misconduct.
The arrest was based on testimony from a woman who alleged that Sheptock stole a photograph of her approximately nine years ago, when she was 17 years old.
The victim told investigators that after sending her the image, Sheptock demanded explicit photographs and later sent her a video depicting a violent assault, warning that he “did not want that to happen to her.”
Court records further indicate that Sheptock showed the victim nude images of both adults and minors on his computer.
Investigators allege that the misconduct continued as recently as October 2023, when Sheptock reportedly sent a text message to the victim containing a nude image of young girls.
Before his arrest, Sheptock was widely known as a Christian recording artist and motivational speaker.
His now-deleted website biography stated that he was born without arms and with one leg shorter than the other, yet went on to describe himself as a “thriving Christian recording artist and speaker.” He has been married for 26 years and is the father of three daughters.
In a public statement, First Montgomery Baptist Church confirmed that Sheptock was immediately removed from all ministry responsibilities following his arrest.
The church emphasized that Sheptock did not hold any position involving direct contact with children, and there is no indication that minors associated with the church were involved or affected.
Sheptock gained wider public attention in January 2022, when he performed the national anthem at a rally for then-President Donald Trump, according to The Independent.
If convicted, Sheptock faces a potential prison sentence ranging from two to twenty years.
The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities are encouraging anyone with additional information to contact the Montgomery County Constable’s Office Human Traffic.