A tragic incident occurred when a gunman took the lives of four people at a Mormon church before setting it on fire.
The attack happened at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc Township, Michigan, on a Sunday morning at approximately 10:25 am local time.
Authorities have labeled the event as an ‘act of targeted violence.’ The suspect, identified by police as Thomas Jacob Sanford, reportedly drove his vehicle through the church’s front doors, subsequently discharging an assault rifle.
After crashing into the church, Sanford exited the vehicle and began firing at congregants attending the Sunday service, later setting the building ablaze, according to police.
Police Chief Bill Renye mentioned that law enforcement arrived on the scene within 30 seconds of the initial calls and engaged the suspect in gunfire, neutralizing him eight minutes after the attack commenced.
Genesee County Sheriff Christopher Swanson later noted that the ‘entire church’ was engulfed in flames, but individuals were evacuated in advance.
Approximately 20 minutes later, the Grand Blanc Township Police Department confirmed that the fire had been brought under control (via NBC News).
Reports from ABC News indicated that at least five people, including the suspect, were killed in the attack, with eight others suffering injuries from the shooting and subsequent fire.
In a press conference held in the evening, Reyne outlined that two of the victims discovered in the church had succumbed to gunshot wounds. Among the injured, seven are reportedly stable, while one remains in critical condition.
The FBI has now assumed leadership of the investigation, with over 100 agents assisting in the case, according to Reyne.
Michigan State Police spokesperson Kim Vetter revealed that additional bomb threats at other venues were investigated by the police, stating (via the BBC): “We’ve responded and cleared those locations.”
The suspect, 40-year-old Thomas Jacob Sanford from Burton, Michigan, had served in the Marines from June 2004 to June 2008, as noted by NBC News.
His military record indicates roles as an organizational automotive mechanic and vehicle recovery operator. Sanford achieved the rank of sergeant and was deployed during Operation Iraqi Freedom between August 2007 and March 2008. His service was recognized with several awards, including the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and National Defense Service Medal.
Police confirmed Sanford was shot and killed at the scene.
It is believed by authorities that he used gasoline to ignite the fire, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives found some ‘suspected explosive devices’ at the site.
The precise role of these devices in starting the fire remains unclear.
Police Chief Renye stated that investigators are endeavoring to pinpoint the exact origin and cause of the fire.
Authorities have not yet determined a motive for the attack, but the FBI has called it an ‘act of targeted violence.’
CNN reports that a physical search is being conducted at Sanford’s residence.
Authorities are also in the process of acquiring search warrants for digital media in hopes of uncovering a motive, according to a law enforcement source.
President Donald Trump issued a statement regarding the attack.
He noted on Truth Social that “the suspect is dead, but there is still a lot to learn,” and described the shooting as “yet another targeted attack on Christians in the United States of America.” He urged: “PRAY for the victims, and their families. THIS EPIDEMIC OF VIOLENCE IN OUR COUNTRY MUST END, IMMEDIATELY!”
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer expressed her condolences for the Grand Blanc community, stating: “Violence anywhere, especially in a place of worship, is unacceptable. I am grateful to the first responders who took action quickly.”
She is actively monitoring the situation.
According to the Mass Shooting Tracker website, there have been 381 mass shootings in the United States this year.