At least four people were killed and eight others injured Sunday after a gunman drove into a Michigan church, opened fire, and set the building on fire, authorities said.
The attack unfolded at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc, a town about 60 miles northwest of Detroit, during a packed Sunday service attended by hundreds. Police identified the suspect as 40-year-old Thomas Jacob Sanford of Burton, Michigan. He was fatally shot by officers in the church parking lot minutes after the assault began.
Officials said the violence is being investigated as an “act of targeted violence,” though a motive has not yet been determined.
Grand Blanc Township Police Chief William Renye said two victims died of gunshot wounds, and two more bodies were later found inside the burned structure. Several people remain unaccounted for as investigators continue clearing the fire-damaged church.
The attack began around 10:25 a.m. local time when Sanford rammed a vehicle into the building before firing several rounds with an assault-style rifle. He then used gasoline to set the church ablaze. Officers responded within minutes and exchanged gunfire with the suspect, killing him at 10:33 a.m.
Authorities praised the “heroism” of worshippers who sheltered children during the chaos. “Hundreds” were inside the church at the time, Chief Renye said.
Investigators are combing through Sanford’s property and cell-phone records as they work to determine a motive. CBS, citing records, reported Sanford was a Marine Corps veteran.
The FBI has taken the lead in the case, deploying crisis response teams, bomb technicians, and more than 100 agents to assist. Michigan State Police confirmed officers had also been dispatched to investigate additional bomb threats at other locations, which were later cleared.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints confirmed in a statement that “multiple individuals were injured” and said, “We pray for peace and healing for all involved.”
President Donald Trump said he had been briefed on the shooting and confirmed the FBI will direct the federal investigation. Writing on Truth Social, he called it “yet another targeted attack on Christians in the United States of America.”
U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi described the incident as “a horrific shooting and fire” at a place of worship, adding: “Such violence is heartbreaking and chilling. Please join me in praying for the victims of this terrible tragedy.”
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer condemned the violence, saying: “Violence anywhere, especially in a place of worship, is unacceptable.”
Former senator Mitt Romney, one of the most prominent Mormon politicians, called the shooting a “tragedy” and said: “My brothers and sisters and their church are targets of violence. Praying for healing and comforting.”
Drone footage released by authorities showed flames consuming parts of the church as first responders rushed to the scene. The full extent of the destruction has not yet been determined.
