MANCHESTER, New York — Officials with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints confirmed Wednesday evening that shots were fired "at or near" a church landmark in New York.
On Thursday morning, New York state police said their investigation resulted in the arrest of 23 year-old Michael R. Bushart, of Fairport NY. He was arrested on suspicion of reckless endangerment, a first-degree felony.
The investigation revealed Bushart was target shooting from farmland west of Hill Cumorah. A search warrant was executed in Fairport and a number of long guns were seized.
In a statement, church officials said shots had been fired "at or near" the Hill Cumorah Visitors' Center in Palmyra, New York.
"Gratefully, no injuries have been reported," the church reported.
FOX 13's affiliate station in New York reported that authorities responded to the area after a report that shots had hit the visitors' center.
A lockdown was put in place at the time of the incident, but has since been lifted, FOX 13's affiliate station reports.
One person was taken into custody, but police determined the shots were fired likely unintentionally, FOX 13's affiliate station reports.
The Hill Cumorah in Machester is the place where members of the faith believe Joseph Smith met annually with the angel Moroni. Eventually the angel allowed Joseph to obtain the golden plates, which is where the Book of Mormon is from, church members believe.
