Britain is facing a record surge in hospital admissions linked to Viagra use, as new NHS data shows 518 men required treatment in the past year for painful erections lasting several hours.
The figures, covering the year to March 2025, reveal that 410 of those cases were emergency admissions for priapism — a dangerous condition where the penis remains erect for more than four hours. Another 108 men were treated through planned hospital visits or surgeries for related long-term complications.
NHS England said the average age of men admitted was 41, though 26 patients were over 65 and one was older than 90. Priapism is considered a rare but serious side effect of Viagra, which was prescribed 4.7 million times last year, also a record high. The condition can also arise from blood flow disorders.
Doctors warn that untreated priapism can cause permanent damage, including impotence, scarring or in severe cases, amputation. Treatments include injections of painkillers, muscle relaxants, or surgery to drain blood clots.
“After four hours, an erection is a medical emergency,” said Dr. Deborah Lee of the online pharmacy Dr. Fox. “Without urgent treatment, this can even result in gangrene. If you notice prolonged, painful erections, consult your GP immediately.”
The NHS spent more than £20 million last year addressing erectile dysfunction across England, underscoring the growing demand for treatments and the rising costs of dealing with complications.
GRAND BLANC TOWNSHIP, Mich. (BN24) — The death toll from Sunday’s violent attack at a Michigan church has risen to four, authorities confirmed, after an ex-Marine rammed his pickup truck into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, opened fire on worshippers, and set the building ablaze before being fatally shot by police. Eight others remain wounded, one critically, as investigators continue to sift through the church’s charred ruins for additional victims.
The gunman, identified as 40-year-old Thomas Jacob Sanford of Burton, struck shortly after 10:25 a.m., when hundreds of members of the congregation were inside for worship. Police Chief William Renye said Sanford crashed through the church doors with American flags flying from his truck, then emerged with an assault rifle and began firing. Authorities believe he used gas to ignite the fire and may have had explosive devices, though it remains unclear whether they were deployed.
Two victims were discovered in the debris as firefighters extinguished the blaze, which consumed the large structure for hours. Officers responding to a 911 call arrived within 30 seconds, engaging Sanford in a firefight outside the church and killing him roughly eight minutes after the assault began, Renye said.
“This was an act of targeted violence,” said Ruben Coleman, special agent in charge for the FBI, which has taken the lead in the investigation. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives also joined the probe.
Sanford served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 2004 to 2008, including a deployment in Iraq. Investigators are combing through his residence and background for clues to his motive, which remains unknown.
Witnesses described terror inside the church as congregants shielded children and rushed them to safety. Outside, neighbors reported hearing bursts of gunfire followed by thick smoke rising from the church’s roof.
The violence rattled the wider Mormon community in Michigan, striking less than 24 hours after the death of Russell M. Nelson, the 101-year-old president of the Utah-based faith. “Places of worship are meant to be sanctuaries of peacemaking, prayer and connection,” church spokesperson Doug Anderson said in a statement. “We pray for peace and healing for all involved.”
The aftermath has been felt deeply across Grand Blanc Township and surrounding towns. Striking nurses from a nearby hospital ran to assist victims, and prayer services were held Sunday night at The River Church, where pastors urged healing for families, first responders, and the entire community.
President Donald Trump praised the FBI’s rapid response, writing on Truth Social: “PRAY for the victims, and their families. THIS EPIDEMIC OF VIOLENCE IN OUR COUNTRY MUST END, IMMEDIATELY!”
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer called the assault “unacceptable” and said her “heart is breaking for the community.”
Authorities are also investigating reports of bomb threats made to other churches in the area after Sanford’s death. No explosives were found.
As search teams work through the wreckage, Chief Renye said the toll could rise. “Some people are unaccounted for,” he said. “We fear we may find more.”
NEWCASTLE, England (Bn24) – Arsenal pulled off a dramatic late turnaround at St James’ Park on Sunday, snatching a 2-1 win over Newcastle United thanks to Gabriel Magalhães’ stoppage-time header that sealed all three points for Mikel Arteta’s side in the Premier League.
For much of the afternoon, the Gunners were left ruing missed chances and a controversial VAR decision. Despite dominating possession and tempo in the first half, Arsenal couldn’t find the net. Key opportunities from Eberechi Eze and Leandro Trossard went begging, and frustration peaked when a penalty initially awarded for a foul on Viktor Gyökeres was overturned following a VAR review.
Newcastle, largely on the defensive, made their breakthrough against the run of play in the 34th minute. Nick Woltemade capitalized on a brief lapse in Arsenal’s back line, giving the hosts a 1-0 lead that they managed to protect deep into the second half. Goalkeeper Nick Pope delivered a commanding performance, repeatedly denying Arsenal’s forwards and keeping the home side in front.
It wasn’t until the 84th minute that Arsenal found their equalizer. Mikel Merino, stepping up in a congested penalty area, nodded in from close range to restore parity and spark a frenetic finale.
As Newcastle looked to cling onto a point, Arsenal’s persistence paid off in the dying moments. Deep into added time, Martin Ødegaard delivered a precise corner that found Gabriel Magalhães unmarked. The Brazilian defender rose above his marker and powered a header past Pope to complete the comeback in the sixth minute of stoppage time.
The result was a testament to Arsenal’s resilience and character, a vital away win that keeps them firmly in the hunt near the top of the Premier League table. With four wins, one draw, and a single defeat from their opening six matches, the Gunners now sit second in the standings.
For Newcastle, the result will sting, but Eddie Howe’s side can take some encouragement from a spirited defensive effort and a performance that nearly earned a result against one of the league’s top sides. The Magpies now find themselves in 15th place with work to do to climb the table.
Arsenal’s dramatic finish may prove to be a defining moment in their season, showcasing a squad willing to fight until the final whistle in pursuit of silverware.
LONDON (BN24) — Harry Kane has written his name into football history once again, becoming the fastest player to reach 100 goals for a single club, achieving the feat in just 104 appearances for Bayern Munich.
The England captain reached the milestone with a brace in Bayern’s 4-0 Bundesliga win over Werder Bremen, continuing his electric start to life in Germany and surpassing several global icons in the all-time ranking for the fastest to 100 goals across all competitions for a single club.
According to figures compiled by Planet Football, Kane now leads a remarkable list of world-class forwards whose prolific goal-scoring records defined eras at their respective clubs.
Just behind Kane are Erling Haaland and Cristiano Ronaldo, both of whom took 105 matches to hit 100 goals, doing so for Manchester City and Real Madrid, respectively. Haaland’s arrival at City in 2022 sparked an immediate goal rush, culminating in a historic treble-winning season and a century of goals early in his third campaign. Ronaldo, meanwhile, began rewriting record books from the moment he joined Real Madrid for a then-world record fee in 2009, going on to become the club’s all-time top scorer.
Barcelona’s Luis Suarez needed only 120 games to reach the 100-goal milestone, forming one of the most feared attacking trios in history alongside Lionel Messi and Neymar. Zlatan Ibrahimovic followed closely with 124 goals in 124 games for Paris Saint-Germain, delivering consistent firepower during his dominant spell in Ligue 1.
Cristiano Ronaldo also appears again on the list for his time at Juventus, matching Ruud van Nistelrooy’s record of 131 games to reach 100 goals, the latter having delivered a lethal strike rate for Manchester United under Sir Alex Ferguson in the early 2000s.
Edinson Cavani’s form at Napoli remains a benchmark for clinical forward play in Serie A, with the Uruguayan bagging 100 goals in just 135 games. At the same time, Robert Lewandowski took one fewer (136) during his devastating stint with Bayern Munich, where he scored at a historic clip before moving to Barcelona.
Rounding out the top 10 is Kylian Mbappe, who required just 137 appearances to score 100 goals for PSG, having joined the club as one of the world’s most sought-after teenagers in 2017.
Scoring 100 goals for one club is a rare achievement. Doing so in such few games separates the elite finishers from the merely excellent — and Kane, now setting the pace, adds yet another historic accolade to his glittering career.
This latest feat not only strengthens his reputation as one of the most prolific strikers in modern football but also sets a new benchmark for future stars aiming to etch their name in football folklore.
TURIN, Italy (BN24) – Juventus missed a key opportunity to climb to the top of the Serie A standings on Saturday, as they were held to a 1-1 draw at home by Atalanta in a result that keeps reigning champions Napoli in pole position.
In an intense match at the Allianz Stadium, substitute Juan Cabal salvaged a point for the visitors with a scrappy 78th-minute equalizer, his first goal in Serie A, shortly after replacing the injured Gleison Bremer. The draw maintains Juventus’ unbeaten start to the season but leaves them a point behind league leaders Napoli, who have won all four of their opening matches.
Kamaldeen Sulemana had earlier put Juventus in front during first-half stoppage time, netting his second goal in as many games with a powerful finish that gave the hosts a deserved lead after a dominant spell.
Atalanta, however, showed their resilience in the second half and gradually grew into the game. The breakthrough came when Odilon Kossounou failed to deal with a Joao Mario cross, and Cabal capitalized to level the score. The Bergamo club was forced to play the final 10 minutes with 10 men after Marten de Roon was shown a red card, but Juventus failed to take advantage.
The best chance for the Turin side to snatch victory came in the dying seconds when Weston McKennie found himself unmarked in front of goal but shot straight at Atalanta goalkeeper Marco Carnesecchi from close range. That crucial miss ensured the visitors escaped with a point and climbed to fifth in the standings, level on nine points with AC Milan and Inter Milan, among others.
“We played really well, especially in the first half, one of the best since I’ve been here,” said Atalanta coach Igor Tudor. “It was a tough match between two Champions League teams, and the draw was fair.”
Napoli remain top of the table with a perfect 12 points and will look to maintain their lead when they visit AC Milan on Sunday night.
Meanwhile, Inter Milan also remains firmly in the hunt. Lautaro Martinez and youngster Pio Esposito scored in a 2-0 win over Cagliari earlier on Saturday. Martinez’s early header marked his 117th Serie A goal, overtaking club legend Sandro Mazzola — while Esposito’s late strike sealed the win and opened his top-flight account.
“He works hard and listens,” said Martinez of his young teammate. “He still has a lot to learn, but he’s already proving himself.”
Elsewhere, newly promoted Cremonese continued their impressive start with a 1-1 draw at Como, staying unbeaten alongside Juventus, Napoli, and Atalanta. Federico Baschirotto cancelled out Nico Paz’s third goal of the season in a closely contested Lombardy derby.
With the title race already heating just weeks into the campaign, dropped points for Juventus serve as a reminder that every match could prove decisive in what promises to be another competitive Serie A season.
BARCELONA, Spain (BN24) — Lamine Yamal marked his return from injury with a game-changing performance, setting up Robert Lewandowski’s winning goal as Barcelona edged Real Sociedad 2-1 on Sunday to move to the top of the La Liga table.
Yamal, sidelined for the past four matches with a groin injury, came off the bench in the second half and made an immediate impact, delivering a pinpoint assist just over a minute after stepping onto the pitch. The 18-year-old’s burst of energy and creativity proved the difference in a game that saw Barcelona struggle to break down a well-organized Sociedad defense.
The result lifts Hansi Flick’s side above Real Madrid and Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen-led campaign in the league table, after Madrid’s stunning 5-2 defeat to Atletico Madrid on Saturday opened the door for Barcelona to claim top spot.
At the Olympic Stadium, where Barcelona have been playing their home fixtures while awaiting clearance to return to Camp Nou, the hosts found themselves behind despite dominating early possession. Real Sociedad struck first in the 31st minute through Alvaro Odriozola, who ghosted into the box to finish off a sharp counterattack led by Ander Barrenetxea. The goal stunned the home crowd and exposed Barcelona’s vulnerability in transition.
Hansi Flick’s lineup featured several changes, with 17-year-old Dro Fernandez making his senior debut in midfield, Roony Bardghji starting wide on the right, and veteran goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny stepping in for the injured Joan Garcia.
Marcus Rashford, on loan from Manchester United, was lively from the outset. The England international saw an early chance saved by Alex Remiro. It later created an opening for Lewandowski with a perfectly weighted through ball, only for the striker to drag his shot wide from a tight angle.
Barcelona eventually found its equalizer late in the first half through Jules Kounde. Rashford whipped in a corner, his second assist in as many games, and the French defender rose to head home at the near post, beating Remiro to level the match at 1-1.
Yamal’s long-awaited return came just before the hour mark, and he wasted no time in making an impact. Surging into the box, the teenager delivered a sharp cross that Lewandowski met with a powerful header off the post to give Barcelona the lead.
Remiro did his best to keep Sociedad in the game, producing excellent saves to deny both Rashford and Dani Olmo. At the same time, Szczesny was called into action at the other end to parry a low shot from Mikel Oyarzabal.
The closing stages of the match were chaotic, with both sides rattling the crossbar in quick succession. Takefusa Kubo struck the woodwork after dispossessing Kounde in midfield, and moments later Ferran Torres set up Lewandowski, who thundered his effort against the bar in what could have been Barcelona’s third.
Despite the nervy finish, Barcelona held firm to take all three points, a crucial win ahead of their midweek Champions League clash against Paris Saint-Germain, also to be played at the Olympic Stadium.
Yamal’s return will come as a major boost to Flick, with the youngster proving once again that he is capable of altering the course of a match in an instant. As Barcelona now sit one point clear at the summit, their title ambitions appear to be gaining momentum, powered in part by one of Europe’s most exciting teenage talents.
WASHINGTON (BN24) — An American citizen detained for nine months in Afghanistan was released Sunday by the Taliban and is returning to the United States, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced, marking the latest successful diplomatic effort to free Americans held by the group.
Amir Amiri was freed following extensive negotiations coordinated by Qatari diplomats working with the U.S. Special Envoy for Hostage Affairs, according to sources with knowledge of the release. Qatar has served as the primary intermediary for American interests in Afghanistan since the Taliban regained control in 2021.
“Today we welcome home Amir Amiry, an American who was wrongfully detained in Afghanistan,” Rubio wrote on social media. “I want to thank Qatar for helping secure his freedom.”
Amiri was detained in December 2024, prompting Qatar to begin negotiating for his release in March through diplomatic channels established following the Taliban’s takeover. The Gulf nation has successfully facilitated the release of four other American citizens from Afghanistan earlier this year.
Qatari diplomats initially arranged a meeting between Amiri and U.S. Special Envoy Adam Boehler during his visit to Afghanistan, according to sources familiar with the negotiations. Throughout Amiri’s detention, Qatari officials monitored his health and maintained regular communication with U.S. authorities.
The negotiations continued for several months until Qatar achieved a breakthrough this weekend that resulted in Amiri’s freedom, sources said. The specific terms of the agreement have not been disclosed by officials.
The release follows a pattern of successful prisoner exchanges and diplomatic negotiations between the United States and the Taliban mediated by Qatar. In January, two American citizens were freed in a prisoner swap that saw the Taliban release Ryan Corbett, who had been abducted in 2022 during a work trip, in exchange for Khan Mohammed, a Taliban figure serving a life sentence in California on drug trafficking and terrorism charges.
Two additional Americans were released from Afghanistan in March through separate arrangements. Faye Hall, detained earlier that year on charges of using an unauthorized drone, was freed alongside her release, though a British couple arrested with her remained in Taliban custody until their release earlier this month.
George Glezmann, an American tourist detained during a 2022 visit to Afghanistan, was also freed in March in what former U.S. envoy to Afghanistan called “a goodwill gesture” to President Trump by the Taliban.
The series of releases reflects ongoing diplomatic engagement between the United States and Taliban authorities despite the absence of formal diplomatic relations. Qatar’s role as an intermediary has proven crucial in facilitating these negotiations and maintaining communication channels.
The Taliban’s willingness to engage in prisoner releases and negotiations has provided opportunities for resolving cases involving detained Americans, though the group continues to hold other foreign nationals. The releases have typically involved complex diplomatic negotiations rather than military operations.
Amiri’s case highlights the risks faced by American citizens traveling to or remaining in Afghanistan under Taliban control. The State Department has maintained strong advisories against travel to Afghanistan due to security concerns and the risk of arbitrary detention.
The successful resolution of Amiri’s case represents continued cooperation between the United States and Qatar in addressing hostage situations globally. Qatar has established itself as a key mediator in various international disputes and prisoner release negotiations.
The Taliban’s approach to foreign detainees appears influenced by their desire for international legitimacy and recognition, though the group has not received formal recognition from the United States or most other countries since taking power.
Special Envoy Boehler’s office has worked systematically to secure the release of Americans detained abroad, with Afghanistan representing a significant focus given the complex political situation and absence of direct diplomatic ties.
The release comes as the Trump administration continues efforts to address cases of Americans wrongfully detained overseas. The administration has prioritized hostage diplomacy and prisoner negotiations as key foreign policy objectives.
Qatar’s accord to represent U.S. interests in Afghanistan has proven valuable beyond individual prisoner releases, providing a channel for broader communication and coordination on humanitarian and diplomatic issues.
The pattern of successful releases suggests that diplomatic engagement through third-party mediators can be effective even in complex political situations where direct bilateral relations remain suspended or absent.
Amiri’s return to the United States concludes a nine-month ordeal that involved sustained diplomatic pressure and negotiation across multiple governmental levels and international partners.
NEW YORK (BN24) — Mayor Eric Adams announced Sunday that he is abandoning his reelection campaign, citing constant media speculation about his political future and the city’s campaign finance board’s decision to withhold public funding from his effort.
In a video released on social media, Adams spoke with pride about his achievements as mayor, particularly highlighting a drop in violent crime during his tenure. However, he acknowledged that external pressures had made continuing his campaign impossible.
“Despite all we’ve achieved, I cannot continue my reelection campaign,” Adams said in the announcement that ended weeks of speculation about his political viability.
The one-term Democrat’s decision represents a dramatic reversal from his repeated insistence just days earlier that he would remain in the contest, telling supporters that everyday New Yorkers do not “surrender” when facing adversity.
Adams’ withdrawal from the race follows a year of mounting challenges that severely damaged his political standing, including his now-dismissed federal bribery case and liberal criticism over his increasingly warm relationship with President Donald Trump. He had skipped the Democratic primary and qualified for the ballot as an independent candidate.
The mayor did not endorse any remaining candidates in his departure announcement but warned against “insidious forces” attempting to use local government to “advance divisive agendas.” He cautioned voters against candidates promoting dramatic systemic changes.
“Major change is welcome and necessary, but beware of those who claim the answer is to destroy the very system we built over generations,” Adams said. “That is not change, that is chaos. Instead, I urge leaders to choose leaders not by what they promise, but by what they have delivered.”
Adams’ exit could potentially benefit former Governor Andrew Cuomo, a fellow centrist who has positioned himself as the only candidate capable of defeating the Democratic Party’s nominee, state Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani. However, it remains unclear whether sufficient Adams supporters would shift allegiance to Cuomo to significantly impact the race dynamics.
Mamdani, 33, would become the city’s youngest and most liberal mayor in generations if elected. He defeated Cuomo decisively in the Democratic primary by campaigning on promises to reduce living costs in one of the world’s most expensive cities.
Republican Curtis Sliwa remains in the race despite facing criticism from within his own party, including Trump’s recent characterization of him as “not exactly prime time” during a media interview.
Governor Kathy Hochul, who has endorsed Mamdani, issued a statement following Adams’ announcement expressing pride in their four-year working relationship and crediting him with leaving the city “better than he inherited it.”
Recent polling illustrated Adams’ challenging position in the race. September surveys by The New York Times and Siena University, as well as Quinnipiac University, showed likely voters favoring Mamdani over Cuomo, with both Sliwa and Adams trailing significantly behind the frontrunners.
The Quinnipiac poll suggested the gap between Mamdani and Cuomo could narrow if Adams withdrew from the contest. The Times/Siena poll indicated that if both Adams and Sliwa exited the race, Mamdani’s advantage over Cuomo could shrink further, though Sliwa has repeatedly insisted he will not quit under any circumstances.
Trump administration intermediaries had recently approached Adams about potentially leaving the race in exchange for a federal government position, aiming to create a one-on-one matchup between Cuomo and Mamdani that might favor the former governor.
Following reports of those discussions, Adams held a news conference pledging to continue his campaign and dismissing Cuomo and Mamdani as “spoiled brats.” He later escalated his criticism on social media, calling Cuomo “a liar and a snake.”
Adams, 65, serves as the city’s second Black mayor. A former New York City police captain and Brooklyn borough president, he took office in 2022 promising to reduce crime and revitalize the city with his signature “swagger” as it recovered from the coronavirus pandemic.
On his primary campaign promise, Adams achieved measurable success. Crime rates that increased after COVID-19 struck the city have returned to pre-pandemic levels, though the extent to which Adams’ policies contributed to this improvement remains debated.
However, Adams’ focus on reducing crime and disorder has been overshadowed repeatedly by corruption scandals, federal investigations and lawsuits alleging extensive favor-trading at the highest levels of city government.
During a tumultuous period last year, his police commissioner, schools chancellor and several deputy mayors resigned following federal raids on their homes, though none have faced criminal charges.
Federal prosecutors brought fraud and bribery charges against Adams in late September, alleging he accepted illegal campaign contributions and travel discounts from Turkish officials in exchange for expediting approvals for Turkey’s diplomatic building and other favors.
Adams denied wrongdoing and pledged to remain in office while fighting the charges. Simultaneously, he began speaking favorably about Trump, who appeared increasingly likely to regain the presidency. Adams defended Trump in media briefings, urged his party to moderate criticism of the Republican, and largely stopped promoting Democratic opponent Kamala Harris.
After Trump’s electoral victory, Adams met with border czar Thomas Homan and pledged city cooperation with aspects of the new administration’s immigration enforcement agenda.
In February, Trump’s Justice Department ordered federal prosecutors in New York to drop charges against Adams, enabling the mayor to assist with the Republican president’s immigration policies.
The extraordinary federal intervention triggered fresh turmoil at City Hall and within the Manhattan U.S. attorney’s office, with Adams’ allies suggesting he had negotiated a deal with the White House for his legal freedom.
Adams announced he would skip the June Democratic primary while remaining in the general election race as an independent candidate.
His return to active campaigning this summer brought renewed scandal. In late August, his former top advisor faced fresh bribery charges while serving as a campaign volunteer. Another former aide was removed from the campaign after delivering a potato chip bag filled with cash to a local reporter.
Throughout recent weeks, Adams had rejected mounting pressure to withdraw from the race to improve Cuomo’s chances against Mamdani.
“History is going to be kind to me when I’m out of the political spotlight 10, 15 years from now, and they look over and say: You know what? We got to give this guy his due,” Adams said recently. “That’s what I’m fighting for.”
Adams’ withdrawal reshapes the final weeks of the mayoral campaign, potentially consolidating moderate voters behind Cuomo while Mamdani retains strong progressive support heading toward the November election.
GRAND BLANC, Mich. (BN24) — A gunman killed one person and injured nine others during Sunday services at a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints before setting the building on fire and being shot dead by police in what authorities described as a coordinated attack on the Grand Blanc Township congregation.
The 40-year-old Burton man rammed his vehicle through the front doors of the church around mid-morning and immediately began firing at hundreds of worshippers with an assault rifle, Grand Blanc Township Police Chief William Renye said during an afternoon briefing.
The suspect then deliberately set multiple fires throughout the building before police engaged and killed him, ending the assault that terrorized the peaceful community. Several victims remain in critical condition while others are stable, according to authorities.
“We do believe we will find some additional victims once we find the area where the fire was,” Renye said as first responders continued sifting through the wreckage after extinguishing the blaze that consumed much of the church structure.
Genesee County Sheriff Christopher Swanson described the scene as dynamic and extensive, with the entire church building engulfed in flames for hours before firefighters could bring the blaze under control. Black smoke was visible for miles across the rural township.
President Donald Trump said he was briefed on the shooting and fire, calling for an end to violence in American communities. “The Trump Administration will keep the Public posted, as we always do. In the meantime, PRAY for the victims, and their families,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “THIS EPIDEMIC OF VIOLENCE IN OUR COUNTRY MUST END, IMMEDIATELY!”
The FBI and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives responded to the scene to assist with the investigation into what Attorney General Pam Bondi characterized as heartbreaking violence at a place of worship.
“Such violence at a place of worship is heartbreaking and chilling,” Bondi said in a statement, while FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino pledged to “provide any requested support necessary” for the investigation.
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer expressed grief for the Grand Blanc community following the attack. “Violence anywhere, especially in a place of worship, is unacceptable,” Whitmer said. “I am grateful to the first responders who took action quickly.”
The attack occurred during regular Sunday worship services when the church typically hosts hundreds of congregants. The gunman’s vehicle crash through the front entrance created chaos as worshippers scrambled for safety while the armed assault began.
Police have not released a motive for either the shooting or the arson, though investigators believe both were deliberate acts by the same individual. The coordinated nature of the attack suggested planning and preparation by the suspect.
Scott Bennett, Grand Blanc Township supervisor, described the incident as “a tragedy that nobody wants to encounter” in the normally quiet community known for its peaceful atmosphere and close-knit neighborhoods.
Joe Ostrander, a 25-year-old lifelong Grand Blanc resident who was driving to the church when he learned of the attack, expressed shock at violence in his hometown. “I’ve never heard of anything like this ever happening in my city,” Ostrander said, describing Grand Blanc as “peaceful, quiet, small” and full of local businesses.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, located in a residential area near other religious institutions, sits surrounded by parking lots and lawn space that became staging areas for emergency responders and evacuated congregants.
The New York Police Department deployed officers to religious institutions across the city “out of an abundance of caution” following reports of the Michigan attack, demonstrating the broader security concerns triggered by violence at places of worship.
The shooting occurred one day after Russell M. Nelson, the oldest-ever president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, died at age 101. Church protocol indicates that Dallin H. Oaks is expected to become the next president of the faith commonly known as the Mormon church.
First responders evacuated all surviving congregants from the burning building while simultaneously engaging the armed suspect. The complex emergency response required coordination between multiple law enforcement agencies and fire departments to address both the active shooter situation and the structural fire.
The investigation continues as authorities work to identify all victims and determine the full scope of casualties from both the shooting and fire. The deliberate nature of the arson has complicated recovery efforts and victim identification processes.
The attack represents one of the most serious incidents of violence targeting religious institutions in Michigan in recent years, raising questions about security measures at houses of worship and the vulnerability of congregations during services.
Community leaders and religious organizations across Michigan have expressed solidarity with the Grand Blanc congregation while grappling with the implications of the coordinated attack on Sunday worship services.
The Grand Blanc Township church served a significant Mormon population in the Genesee County area, hosting regular worship services, community events, and religious education programs that brought together families from across the region.
Federal investigators will examine the suspect’s background, potential motives, and whether the attack was connected to broader patterns of violence targeting religious communities or represented an isolated incident specific to the individual perpetrator.
BOGOTÁ, Colombia (BN24) — Colombian President Gustavo Petro on Saturday condemned the United States’ decision to revoke his visa, accusing Washington of violating international law and suppressing political dissent following his participation in a pro-Palestinian demonstration in New York.
The U.S. State Department announced Friday it would revoke Petro’s travel visa in response to what it called “reckless and incendiary actions” during his visit to the United Nations General Assembly, where he joined demonstrators criticizing Israel’s military operations in Gaza. During the protest, Petro called on U.S. soldiers to disobey orders from President Donald Trump and urged the international community to intervene on behalf of Palestinians.
Addressing the decision publicly, Petro said he no longer had a visa to enter the United States, but claimed he was unbothered. “I don’t care. I don’t need a visa,” he posted on the social platform X, formerly Twitter. “I’m not only a Colombian citizen but a European citizen, and I truly consider myself a free person in the world.”
He went on to accuse the U.S. of targeting him for his condemnation of Israel’s war in Gaza, saying, “Revoking [the visa] for denouncing genocide shows the U.S. no longer respects international law.”
Petro has been a vocal critic of Israel’s actions in Gaza, where more than 65,000 people have been killed, according to health authorities in the Hamas-controlled enclave. The entire population has been internally displaced, prompting accusations from international rights organizations and a United Nations inquiry that Israel’s campaign may amount to genocide—allegations Israel firmly denies. Israeli officials maintain their military actions are a justified response to the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks, in which 1,200 people were killed and more than 250 hostages were taken.
Speaking outside the U.N. headquarters in Manhattan, Petro told protesters that the world must create a global armed force to “liberate Palestine” and directly urged U.S. military personnel to defy commands. “Do not point your guns at people,” he said. “Disobey the orders of Trump. Obey the orders of humanity.”
The U.S. State Department cited those remarks in its justification for revoking his visa, calling them unacceptable for a visiting head of state.
The diplomatic fallout drew sharp criticism from Colombian officials. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement condemning the U.S. move, calling the use of visa policy as a political tool inconsistent with international norms. The ministry urged the United Nations to consider relocating its headquarters to a more neutral country, one that would not weaponize entry permissions to control discourse among member states.
“The U.N. should find a completely neutral host country … that would allow the Organization itself to issue authorization to enter the territory of that new host State,” the statement read.
Tensions between Bogotá and Washington have escalated since Trump’s return to the White House. Earlier this year, Petro halted deportation flights from the U.S., a move that led to threats of economic sanctions. Although the two governments later reached an agreement, friction remained.
In July, both countries withdrew their ambassadors after Petro accused U.S. officials of conspiring to overthrow his government—an allegation that U.S. diplomats rejected as baseless.
Petro’s stance on the Israel-Gaza conflict has also contributed to deteriorating ties. In 2024, Colombia cut diplomatic relations with Israel. It imposed a ban on coal exports to the country, marking one of the most severe breaks between the South American nation and a key U.S. ally in the Middle East.
The visa revocation brings back memories of a previous diplomatic scandal in Colombia. In 1996, then-President Ernesto Samper had his U.S. visa canceled over allegations that his presidential campaign received funding from the Cali drug cartel.
For Petro, the latest move underscores what he claims is a growing crackdown on leaders who speak out against the West’s geopolitical interests. He reiterated his position on Saturday, insisting that human rights and international law should take precedence over political alliances.
The U.S. has not indicated whether additional sanctions or diplomatic measures may follow.
