At least four people have been killed and eight others injured after a gunman stormed a Mormon church in Grand Blanc, Michigan, during Sunday service, opening fire on worshippers before setting the building ablaze.
Police identified the suspect as Thomas Jacob Sanford, 40, of Burton, Michigan. Sanford drove his vehicle into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at around 10:25 a.m. local time (15:25 GMT) before firing multiple rounds with an assault-style rifle. He was later shot dead by officers in the church car park, just eight minutes after the attack began.
Authorities say the incident is being treated as a case of “targeted violence”, though the motive remains unclear.
Chaos During Service
According to Grand Blanc Township Police Chief William Renye, the attack occurred during a packed Sunday service attended by “hundreds” of congregants. Two victims died instantly from gunshot wounds, while two more were later confirmed dead as emergency teams searched the damaged building. Several others remain unaccounted for.
The gunman is believed to have used an accelerant, most likely gasoline, to set the fire that engulfed parts of the church. Investigators are still working to determine exactly when and how the blaze began.
Chief Renye praised the “heroism” of churchgoers who managed to shield children and guide them to safety amid the chaos.
FBI Leads Investigation
The FBI has taken over the investigation, deploying crisis response teams, bomb technicians, and more than 100 federal agents to assist local authorities. Investigators are combing through Sanford’s property and cell phone records to establish a motive.
Sanford, a Marine Corps veteran, had no immediate known ties to extremist groups, officials said.
Meanwhile, Michigan State Police confirmed that officers had been dispatched to investigate additional bomb threats at multiple locations across the state, though all have since been cleared.
National Reactions
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints confirmed the shooting in a statement, saying: “We pray for peace and healing for all involved.”
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer condemned the violence, stressing: “Violence anywhere, especially in a place of worship, is unacceptable.”
Former senator and prominent Mormon leader Mitt Romney described the attack as a tragedy: “My brothers and sisters and their church are targets of violence. Praying for healing and comforting.”
President Donald Trump also reacted, calling it “yet another targeted attack on Christians in the United States” and confirming the FBI will lead the federal investigation.
US Attorney General Pam Bondi described the incident as “heartbreaking and chilling,” urging prayers for the victims and their families.
Ongoing Probe
Authorities say the death toll could rise as crews continue searching the fire-damaged building. Some worshippers remain missing, and investigators are treating the site as both a crime scene and a hazardous zone due to structural damage from the blaze.
The tragedy has sent shockwaves through Grand Blanc, a community 60 miles northwest of Detroit, leaving residents and worshippers grappling with grief and fear after one of the deadliest church attacks in Michigan’s history.
Source – My News Ghana
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