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A gunman with no apparent connection to a Mormon congregation killed at least 4 people and wounded eight others during Sunday morning worship services at a church in Grand Blanc, Michigan, after driving his vehicle through the church's front doors, with the 40-year-old attacker subsequently shot dead by police officers, local authorities reported.
Police identified the shooter as Thomas Jacob Sanford, 40, of Burton, a former U.S. Marine who arrived at the church in a pickup truck displaying two American flags before opening fire on congregants.
Grand Blanc Police Chief William Renye said Sanford drove his vehicle through the front doors of the church before exiting and "firing several rounds at individuals within the church." The suspect died at the scene, though authorities have not specified whether from self-inflicted wounds or other circumstances.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) confirmed Sanford's identity and his military background.
As of Sunday evening, seven victims remained in stable condition while one was listed in critical condition, police said. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints described the incident as "a tragic act of violence" and said it was cooperating with law enforcement.
The attack escalated when Sanford deliberately set fire to the church building, creating a massive blaze that firefighters battled for hours before extinguishing it Sunday afternoon. Thick clouds of smoke poured from the building as emergency responders lined the streets of the Detroit suburb.
"There was a fire that occurred and we believe that was deliberately set by the suspect," Renye said earlier. "That fire was just extinguished by the Grand Blanc Township Fire Department."
U.S. President Donald Trump denounced the attack as "another targeted attack on Christians" in a post on his Truth Social platform Sunday evening.
"The suspect is dead, but there is still a lot to learn. This appears to be yet another targeted attack on Christians in the United States of America," Trump wrote.
The president's statement came hours after other officials condemned the violence. Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said her "heart is breaking for the Grand Blanc community," calling violence at places of worship "unacceptable."
Attorney General Pam Bondi described the incident as a "horrific shooting and fire," announcing that the FBI and ATF would assist local authorities in the investigation. FBI Director Kash Patel called the violence "a cowardly and criminal act."
"The church is in communication with local law enforcement as the investigation continues and as we receive updates on the condition of those affected," LDS leadership said in a statement.
The shooting adds to a growing list of attacks on houses of worship across the United States, raising renewed concerns about security at religious gatherings.
Local authorities have not released information about a possible motive for the attack. The investigation remains ongoing.
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