Shots Fired at Royal Oak Township Church

Michigan State Police investigate after unknown suspect targets God's Grace Baptist Church

Apr. 17, 2026 at 2:33am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a shattered church door window with multiple bullet holes, creating a stark, gritty, and investigative visual aesthetic.A violent attack on a place of worship exposes the fragility of religious sanctuaries and the need for increased security measures.Today in Detroit

An unknown suspect fired multiple shots at the front door of a church in Royal Oak Township, Michigan, just after noon on Thursday. No one was inside the God's Grace Baptist Church at the time, and no injuries were reported. The suspect remains at large, and the motive for the shooting is unknown. Pastor Dwight Mahone returned to find the church's front door shattered and multiple bullet holes.

Why it matters

This incident follows a recent trend of attacks targeting places of worship in Michigan, raising concerns about the safety and security of religious institutions in the state. In response, law enforcement agencies have offered increased training for churches and other religious organizations to help them develop plans to keep their congregations safe.

The details

Surveillance video shows the suspect pulling up directly in front of the church and firing shots at the door. The motive remains unknown. Volunteers arrived at the church to board up the shattered front door, and Pastor Mahone said Sunday services will continue as planned, but he hopes the suspect is caught before then.

  • The shooting occurred just after noon on Thursday, April 17, 2026.

The players

Dwight Mahone

The pastor of God's Grace Baptist Church, who left the building about an hour before the shooting and returned to find state police surrounding the church.

Michigan State Police

The law enforcement agency investigating the shooting at the church.

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What they’re saying

“I was kinda shocked. I said 'now who would shoot the church up?'”

— Dwight Mahone, Pastor

“Education's the key for you to be able to develop a plan to keep you and the people of your place of worship safe.”

— James Grady II, Michigan State Police Colonel

What’s next

Michigan State Police are asking anyone with information about the shooting to contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-SPEAK-UP.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing challenges religious institutions face in maintaining a balance between safety and openness, and the importance of proactive security measures and community cooperation to protect places of worship.