Four individuals lost their lives and eight more were injured during a shooting at a Mormon church in Michigan on Sunday morning, as announced by authorities later that evening.
Grand Blanc Township Police Chief William Renny initially reported that two victims were found at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Chapel. During a press conference, he shared that two additional bodies were discovered afterward.
According to the Associated Press, eight others sustained injuries in the incident.
FBI Special Agent Reuben Coleman indicated that the bureau was leading the investigation, framing the shooting as “a targeted act of violence.”
On his social media platform, former President Trump described the event as “targeted attacks against Christians.”
Authorities identified the suspect as 40-year-old Thomas Jacob Sanford, a resident of nearby Burton, Michigan. They reported that Sanford drove to the church, opened fire on the congregation, and subsequently attempted to set the building ablaze.
James Deir, along with the Detroit Office of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), mentioned in a press briefing that they believe Sanford utilized incendiary methods to ignite the church fire. He also noted the presence of a “substantiated explosive device” at the scene, though it remains unclear if it was used to ignite the flames.
Police fatally shot Sanford in the church’s rear parking lot within eight minutes of the first 911 call. Chief Renny stated that first responders and church members managed to safeguard the children from further harm during the chaotic moments.
Renny also expressed concern that there might be additional victims not yet accounted for, emphasizing that officials were actively trying to reach out to other organizations for assistance.
“The entire church has been deemed a total loss due to the fire,” Renny added. “First responders are currently in recovery mode, sifting through debris from the blaze.”
Meanwhile, Michigan State Police spokesperson Kim Better reported that bomb threats had been made to other churches in the vicinity, but those locales were cleared by authorities.
