ICYMI: Congresswoman McDonald Rivet, Michigan Delegation Honor Victims of the Grand Blanc Church Shooting on U.S. House Floor

WASHINGTON— Today, Congresswoman Kristen McDonald Rivet (MI-08) and Members of the Michigan Delegation to the U.S. House held a moment of silence on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives to honor the victims of the shooting at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc, Michigan on September 28. 

Congresswoman McDonald Rivet’s full remarks are below:

Today, I am joined by my colleagues from Michigan, as we honor the community of Grand Blanc, and the victims and families of the shooting and fire at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

On the morning of Sunday, September 28th, families, friends, and neighbors gathered to worship when a gunman crashed his car into the church, set the church on fire, and began shooting into the congregation.

Ultimately, four members of our community were taken from us that morning. Today, and for many days to follow, we mourn for each of them, their families, every congregant of the Church, and all those impacted by this senseless act of violence. This kind of violence, specifically in a place of worship where we go to pray and reflect in peace, is despicable, and no one should ever have to go through this.

We also extend profound gratitude to the heroic first responders — the law enforcement officers who responded to the scene within seconds, the 9-1-1 dispatchers who coordinated an instantaneous response, the firefighters who got people to safety, and the local EMTs, nurses, and doctors who treated the injured. 

Their bravery and quick action saved lives.

As the community heals from a moment of this incredible darkness, they unify and find light under the motto, “Grand Blanc, better together.” Residents specifically asked me to bring this message to the floor of the U.S. House. 

Today, may the whole nation learn from their example, and may we always stand better together with Grand Blanc. They remind us that it is our differences that make our country stronger and it is the way we love one another that will define us.

For them, may we all seek to bring peace, understanding, and love to this world, and let us never forget their loss.

I ask my colleagues to join me in a moment of silence.