Four Dead and Eight Injured in Armed Assault on Michigan Church
A former US Marine rammed a pickup truck into a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints building in Michigan, opened fire on worshippers and set the church ablaze during a packed Sunday service before being shot dead by police.
The attack left at least four people dead and eight others wounded. Authorities were combing through the burned ruins of the Grand Blanc Township church, near Flint, for more victims after two bodies were discovered in the debris.
A Coordinated and Violent Assault
Police Chief William Renye said the assault began around 10:25 a.m. when the man crashed into the building with two American flags raised in the truck bed, got out and started shooting. He reportedly used gas to ignite the fire and was found with explosive devices, though it is unclear if any were detonated, said James Dier of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
The suspect was identified as 40-year-old Thomas Jacob Sanford of Burton. FBI special agent Ruben Coleman said the incident was being investigated as an «act of targeted violence.» Worshippers shielded children and rushed them to safety as smoke and flames engulfed the building, which burned for hours before the blaze was brought under control.
One of the injured was in critical condition on Sunday evening, while seven others were stable. Some people remained unaccounted for, Renye confirmed.
Community Shaken by Fear and Uncertainty
Following Sanford’s death, bomb threats were made against other churches in the region, though no explosives were found. State police are investigating the threats.
Sanford served as a Marine between 2004 and 2008, including a deployment to Iraq. Records show he worked as an automotive mechanic and vehicle recovery operator and left service with the rank of sergeant. Authorities have not disclosed whether he was connected to the Mormon faith.
The Michigan assault came less than a day after another mass shooting in North Carolina, where a man opened fire from a boat, killing three and injuring five.
President Donald Trump praised the FBI’s swift response to the Michigan tragedy, announcing that 100 agents had been dispatched.
«PRAY for the victims, and their families. THIS EPIDEMIC OF VIOLENCE IN OUR COUNTRY MUST END, IMMEDIATELY!» he posted on social media.
Faithful Gather for Strength
The church stood in a residential area near a Jehovah’s Witness Kingdom Hall. Neighbours described hearing bursts of gunfire followed by silence before seeing smoke rise.
Members of nearby Latter-day Saints congregations described their fear as news spread mid-service, with one ward locking down as families frantically tried to reach loved ones.
«Sundays are supposed to be a time of peace and reflection,» said Timothy Jones, 48. «This shooting feels inevitable, and all the more tragic because of that.»
The incident came a day after the death of Russell M. Nelson, the church’s long-serving president. His successor is expected to be Dallin H. Oaks. Church spokesperson Doug Anderson said leaders were in contact with law enforcement, adding:
«Places of worship are meant to be sanctuaries of peacemaking, prayer and connection. We pray for peace and healing for all involved.»
Wider Community Responds
The shock rippled through the wider community. Some striking nurses from a nearby hospital rushed to help emergency crews. Governor Gretchen Whitmer called the violence «unacceptable» while Grand Blanc’s mayor said the attack had shaken the entire community.
By evening, about 100 people gathered for a prayer service at a nearby church, bowing their heads and speaking prayers for victims and first responders.
«We live in days that are difficult and troubled,» said Pastor Chuck Lindsey. «But Lord, you are our refuge.»
Kursiv also reports that a gunman opened fire on a US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) field office in Dallas early on September 24.
