A tragic incident unfolded in Michigan when an ex-marine drove a pickup truck into a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc Township, near Flint, during a Sunday service, resulting in four fatalities and eight injuries. The situation escalated as the individual, identified as Thomas Jacob Sanford, opened fire and set the building on fire before being shot by police.
The attack took place at approximately 10:25 am with the facility filled with congregants. Police Chief William Renye stated that Sanford exited the vehicle with two American flags in the truck bed and began shooting.
According to James Dier from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the assailant reportedly used petrol to ignite the fire and had explosive devices, although it is unclear if they were deployed.
The FBI has taken the lead on the investigation, labeling it as an “act of targeted violence,” as stated by special agent Ruben Coleman.
Police responded rapidly, arriving at the scene within 30 seconds of the 911 call, according to Renye. Officers pursued Sanford after he left the church and engaged him in gunfire, resulting in his death eight minutes later.
During the attack, churchgoers protected children and moved them to safety, Renye noted. Flames and smoke engulfed the church for hours before firefighters brought the blaze under control.
Two bodies were discovered amidst the wreckage, and authorities warned that more victims might be uncovered as search efforts continued.
Out of the injured, one person was critically hurt, while the remaining seven were stable. Renye mentioned that some individuals were still unaccounted for, though he didn’t specify how many.
Post-event, Michigan state police lieutenant Kim Vetter reported bomb threats at other local churches, though no explosives were found. The threats remain under investigation.
Authorities searched Sanford’s residence but did not disclose findings or provide further details about his connection to the church, if any.
Military records obtained by The Detroit News indicated that Sanford served in the marines from June 2004 to June 2008, including a deployment to Iraq, and held the rank of sergeant.
This incident adds to a troubling history of attacks on places of worship in the US, including a recent shooting in Minneapolis that claimed the lives of two children during mass.
Additionally, it marked the second mass shooting in the US within 24 hours, following an attack in Southport, North Carolina, where a man fired from a boat, resulting in three deaths and five injuries.
US President Donald Trump commended the FBI for its swift response on social media, announcing that 100 agents were being dispatched to assist the Grand Blanc Township community, which has a population of around 40,000.
“PRAY for the victims, and their families. THIS EPIDEMIC OF VIOLENCE IN OUR COUNTRY MUST END, IMMEDIATELY!” Mr. Trump wrote.
Doug Anderson, a spokesperson for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, stated: “The church is in communication with local law enforcement as the investigation continues and as we receive updates on the condition of those affected.
“Places of worship are meant to be sanctuaries of peace-making, prayer and connection. We pray for peace and healing for all involved.”