At least four people are dead, and several others injured after a gunman rammed a vehicle into a Michigan church, opened fire on worshippers, and set the building ablaze, authorities said. The attack took place during Sunday services at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc, a town northwest of Detroit that had drawn hundreds of congregants that morning.
Police identified the suspect as 40‑year‑old Thomas Jacob Sanford of Burton, Michigan. Officers shot and killed him in the church parking lot just eight minutes after the assault began.
Grand Blanc Township Police Chief William Renye said two victims died from gunshot wounds. He confirmed that the blaze caused extensive damage and that some people remain unaccounted for.
According to Renye, the gunman drove into the church at about 10:25 a.m. local time before firing multiple rounds from an assault‑style rifle at those inside. Officers quickly returned fire and neutralized the suspect at 10:33 a.m.
Investigators believe Sanford deliberately set the fire, though the exact sequence of events remains under review. Authorities are searching for his property and examining his phone records in an effort to determine a motive.
The FBI has taken charge of the investigation and deployed crisis response teams, bomb technicians, and more than 100 agents to assist. Michigan State Police confirmed that officers also responded to bomb threats at other locations, all of which were cleared.
In a statement, church leaders confirmed that multiple people were injured and asked for prayers for peace and healing.
National leaders condemned the violence. President Donald Trump said he had been briefed and confirmed the FBI’s lead role in the investigation, calling the incident “yet another targeted attack on Christians in the United States of America.”
US Attorney General Pam Bondi described the shooting and fire as “heartbreaking and chilling,” while Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer said violence in a place of worship is “unacceptable.” Former senator Mitt Romney called the attack a tragedy and expressed solidarity with the victims.
Authorities continue to search for answers as the community grieves the devastating loss.
+ There are no comments
Add yours