Horrific Attack on Michigan Church Leaves Multiple Victims, Shooter Dead
A deadly attack unfolded on a Sunday morning at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc, Michigan, leaving multiple people injured and at least four dead, including the shooter. The incident involved a shooting and a subsequent fire that engulfed the church building.
Background and Context
The Grand Blanc Township Police Department reported that the assailant was neutralized, putting an end to the threat to the public. The church, located about 80 kilometers north of Detroit and serving a congregation of approximately 150 members, caught fire during the incident. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Key Developments
The shooter has been identified as Thomas Jacob Sanford, a 40-year-old Marine veteran who served in Iraq. Authorities report that Sanford rammed a Chevy Silverado truck into the church before opening fire on the gathered worshippers. Following the attack, he allegedly set the building on fire before being killed by responding officers.
Emergency crews discovered two more victims in the ruins of the burnt church, raising the death toll to four parishioners, in addition to Sanford. Grand Blanc Township Police Chief William Renye stated that two of the victims had gunshot wounds and praised the first responders who arrived at the scene within 30 seconds of the first 911 call.
Reactions and Implications
The attack has drawn attention and reactions from high-profile figures, including US President Donald Trump, who condemned the violent act as a targeted attack on Christians
in a post on Truth Social. He also called for an immediate end to the epidemic of violence
in the country.
U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi described the incident as heartbreaking and chilling
and asked for prayers for the victims of the horrific shooting.
Bondi confirmed that agents with the FBI and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) were heading to the scene.
Current Status
The situation remains critical as some people remain unaccounted for and the church building is described as a total loss due to the fire
. Seven people are currently hospitalized in stable condition, while one is in critical care. As firefighters and emergency crews continue to sift through the wreckage, the toll is expected to rise.
This tragic incident underscores the ongoing issue of violence in places of worship, leaving a community in shock and a nation grappling with yet another act of senseless violence.