A violent attack at a Latter-day Saints church in Michigan has left at least five people dead, including the suspect, and several others wounded after a man drove into the building, began shooting, and started a fire during Sunday morning services.
The incident occurred around 10:25 a.m. at a meetinghouse of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc Township, a community located southeast of Flint. According to local law enforcement, the assailant intentionally rammed his vehicle into the front entrance of the church before exiting and opening fire on the congregation gathered inside.
Emergency responders arrived within minutes and fatally shot the suspect during a confrontation inside the building, which had already begun to fill with smoke due to a fire authorities say he also started.
Casualties and Response
Police confirmed that four churchgoers were killed in the attack. The gunman was also pronounced dead at the scene, bringing the total number of fatalities to five. Eight additional people were injured, some critically. Authorities stated that the number of victims could rise pending a full search of the heavily damaged building.
Investigators also discovered explosive materials in the suspect’s vehicle, leading to the involvement of federal agents, bomb technicians, and arson specialists.
Identity of the Suspect
The shooter was later identified as Thomas Jacob Sanford, a 40-year-old resident of Burton, Michigan. Officials confirmed that Sanford was a U.S. Marine Corps veteran who had served in Iraq. Authorities are reviewing his background, potential motives, and any affiliations.
Sanford acted alone, police said, and there is currently no indication of ongoing threats to the public. Multiple search warrants have been issued, including for his home and electronic devices.
National Reaction
The attack quickly drew national attention, including from former President Donald Trump, who responded on his social media platform Truth Social. In his post, Trump referred to the shooting as a “targeted attack on Christians”, called on Americans to pray for the victims and families, and urged action to stop what he described as a growing epidemic of violence against religious communities.
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer issued a statement expressing her condolences and said her administration was offering full support to local and federal authorities handling the investigation.
Church and Community Response
A spokesperson for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints described the attack as “devastating” and asked the public to pray for those affected. The church also confirmed that counseling services will be provided to victims and their families.
The FBI has deployed a large team of agents to assist in the investigation, including digital analysts, forensics experts, and victim specialists.
Ongoing Investigation
Local, state, and federal officials continue to examine how Sanford was able to carry out a coordinated attack involving a vehicle assault, mass shooting, arson, and potential explosives. Authorities believe the attack was premeditated but have not yet publicly released a motive.
The event marks one of the deadliest church attacks in Michigan’s history and adds to a growing list of violent incidents at places of worship nationwide.
Law enforcement agencies have increased patrols around other religious institutions in the region as a precaution.
What’s Next
The investigation remains active. Officials are urging anyone with information related to Sanford or his activities leading up to the attack to contact local law enforcement. No additional suspects are being sought at this time.
Victim names have not yet been released pending notification of families.
