Four dead after armed assault and fire at Mormon church in Michigan
Police confirmed that at least four lives were lost and eight others injured in the attack.
A worship service in Grand Blanc, Michigan, turned into tragedy on Sunday when a man rammed his vehicle into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, opened fire inside, and ignited a blaze.
Police confirmed that at least four lives were lost and eight others injured in the attack.
The suspect, 40-year-old Thomas Jacob Sanford of Burton, Michigan, was fatally shot by responding officers in the church parking lot minutes after the rampage began.
Authorities described the assault as an “act of targeted violence” but said the motivation has yet to be determined.
Grand Blanc Township Police Chief William Renye explained that “hundreds” of congregants were in attendance around 10:25 a.m. local time when the gunman drove into the building. Sanford then opened fire with what police described as an assault-style rifle, striking several individuals.
“Firing several rounds at individuals within the church,” Renye said, before adding that officers quickly engaged the suspect. Sanford was “neutralising that suspect” by 10:33 a.m., just eight minutes later.
Two victims were initially confirmed dead from gunshot wounds, but Chief Renye later disclosed that two additional bodies had been discovered and that “some” people remained unaccounted for.
The structure itself sustained heavy fire damage, and investigators are still working to determine “exactly when and where the fire ended up coming from and how it got started.” Officials believe gasoline was used as an accelerant.
Chief Renye praised the bravery of parishioners who shielded children during the ordeal, describing it as “heroism.”
Law enforcement has begun searching Sanford’s residence and combing through his phone data to piece together a motive. Public records identified him as a Marine Corps veteran, according to CBS.
The FBI has taken the lead in the investigation. Acting special agent in charge Reuben Coleman confirmed that crisis teams, bomb experts, and additional personnel had been dispatched to the site.
Meanwhile, Michigan State Police spokesperson Kim Vetter reported that officers were also called to investigate bomb threats at multiple other locations, noting, “We’ve responded and cleared those locations.”
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints issued a statement acknowledging that a gunman had attacked worshippers and that “multiple individuals were injured.”
The church added, “We pray for peace and healing for all involved.”
Grand Blanc police confirmed that about 100 FBI agents were now supporting the inquiry.
President Donald Trump said he had been briefed, announcing that the FBI would spearhead the federal investigation. Writing on Truth Social, he called it “yet another targeted attack on Christians in the United States of America.”
US Attorney General Pam Bondi referred to it on X as “what appears to be a horrific shooting and fire” and described the assault as “heartbreaking and chilling.” She urged Americans: “Please join me in praying for the victims of this terrible tragedy.”
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer condemned the violence, remarking, “Violence anywhere, especially in a place of worship, is unacceptable,” while confirming she was monitoring developments closely.
Former Utah senator Mitt Romney, one of the most high-profile Mormon politicians, called the event a “tragedy” and added: “My brothers and sisters and their church are targets of violence. Praying for healing and comforting.”
