A gunman crashed his vehicle into a Mormon church in Michigan, opened fire with an assault rifle and set the building ablaze, killing at least four people and wounding eight others before dying in a shootout with police, officials said.
The incident occurred at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc, a community about 50 miles north of Detroit.
Authorities identified the perpetrator as Thomas Jacob Sanford, 40, a former US Marine from the nearby town of Burton. Police said Sanford deliberately set the church on fire, leaving it engulfed in flames and heavy smoke.
“We do believe that we will find some additional victims once we find the area where the fire was,” Grand Blanc Township Police Chief William Renye told reporters at a press conference.
Hundreds of people were inside the church when Sanford drove into the building, Renye said. Emergency crews rushed to the scene, and residents were urged to avoid the area.
As of late Sunday, law enforcement and emergency services were continuing their response, with investigators expected to provide further updates.
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US President Donald Trump condemned the attack, calling it a “targeted attack on Christians.”
“I have been briefed on the horrendous shooting that took place at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, in Grand Blanc, Michigan. The FBI was immediately on scene, and will be leading the Federal Investigation, and providing full support to State and Local Officials. The suspect is dead, but there is still a lot to learn. This appears to be yet another targeted attack on Christians in the United States of America. The Trump Administration will keep the Public posted, as we always do. In the meantime, PRAY for the victims, and their families. THIS EPIDEMIC OF VIOLENCE IN OUR COUNTRY MUST END, IMMEDIATELY!” Trump posted on Truth Social.
Vice President JD Vance echoed Trump’s remarks, describing it as an “awful attack.”
“Just an awful situation in Michigan. FBI is on the scene and the entire administration is monitoring things. Say a prayer for the victims and first responders,” Vance wrote on X.
Churches across the area went into lockdown after the attack.
Many community members, including Timothy Jones, expressed grief and disbelief. The shooting also came a day after the death of Russell M. Nelson, the 101-year-old president of the faith. A church spokesperson said they were cooperating with investigators and “praying for peace and healing.”
The tragedy rippled across Grand Blanc, as striking nurses from a nearby hospital left their picket line to help victims. Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer condemned the violence as “unacceptable,” especially in a place of worship.
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