Renye told a press conference police were still searching for a motive after the man, a 40-year-old from Burton, Michigan, burst in on “hundreds of people” while a morning service was under way just before 10.30am Sunday local time (12.30am Monday AEST).
“He drove his vehicle through the front doors of the church. He then exited his vehicle firing several rounds at individuals within the church,” Renye said.
“During all this incident as well, there was a fire that occurred, and we believe that that was deliberately set by the suspect. We do believe that we will find additional victims once we have that scene secure.”
Police said there was no ongoing threat to the public and the blaze has been brought under control.
Bondi said in a post on X that FBI agents and agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives were en route.
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“Such violence at a place of worship is heartbreaking and chilling. Please join me in praying for the victims of this terrible tragedy,” she said.
In an online post, the NYPD said: “Out of an abundance of caution, we are deploying additional resources to religious institutions across the city.”
With AP
