Michigan church attack leaves multiple dead
Ex-Marine rams, shoots and sets fire at service before being killed by police
A gunman drove a pickup into the front doors of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc Township, Michigan, rammed the sanctuary, set the building ablaze and opened fire during a crowded service, killing multiple people and wounding others. Police identified the attacker as 40-year-old Thomas Jacob Sanford of nearby Burton; he was shot dead by officers after an exchange of gunfire several minutes after the incident began. Authorities said the suspect — an ex-Marine — used an assault-style weapon, carried explosive devices that investigators were examining, and appears to have ignited the blaze with gasoline.
Emergency crews found flames and heavy smoke as parishioners sheltered children and helped others to safety; firefighters later extinguished the fire and searched the rubble. Initial reports said at least 10 people were shot and two bodies were found amid the debris; later accounts placed the toll higher, with multiple fatalities and several wounded, including at least one in critical condition. Some people remained unaccounted for as search teams completed a room-by-room sweep.
Officials described a rapid police response: officers arrived within about 30 seconds of the first 911 call and engaged the suspect roughly eight minutes after the attack began. The FBI has taken the lead in the investigation and called the incident an act of targeted violence; federal agents were deployed to assist local authorities. Bomb threats were reported at other area churches after the shooting; no explosives have been found.
Local leaders and residents expressed shock and grief. Michigan’s governor condemned the violence and called for prayers for victims and families. Hospital staff and nearby striking nurses aided first responders. The church said it is cooperating with law enforcement and expressed sorrow for those affected. Investigators were examining the shooter’s home and military records and have not publicly announced a motive. The episode adds to a troubling string of attacks on houses of worship and has prompted heightened security and community vigils across the region.
