Michigan Church Attack Leaves at Least Four Dead, Several Injured

A Sunday service at a Latter-day Saints church in Grand Blanc Township, Michigan turned into a scene of horror when a gunman stormed the building, leaving at least four people dead and eight others injured.

The suspect, later identified as Thomas Jacob Sanford, a 40-year-old U.S. Marine veteran, was killed in a shootout with police.

According to authorities, the attacker drove his vehicle into the church’s front doors before opening fire on worshippers. Witnesses said the assailant also spread gasoline inside the building and set parts of it ablaze, triggering a fire that consumed much of the structure.

Emergency crews later discovered additional victims in the burned remains.

Police said the first distress call came in just after service had begun, and within eight minutes, officers confronted the suspect outside the church. Sanford was fatally shot in the exchange of gunfire.

Early reports indicated one person had died at the scene, while another succumbed to injuries in hospital. As firefighters gained access to the ruins, two more bodies were recovered, bringing the confirmed death toll to four.

Investigators warned that casualty figures could rise as recovery operations continue.

The FBI has taken charge of the investigation, describing the incident as an “act of targeted violence.”

Motive remains unclear, though officials confirmed that bomb threats were also reported at other nearby churches shortly after the attack.

Those threats were investigated, but no explosives were found.

Local leaders have condemned the assault, calling it one of the deadliest attacks on a place of worship in recent years in Michigan.

Vigils are being planned for the victims, while security around religious centers in the region has been heightened.

Authorities said the process of identifying all the victims is ongoing, and families of the deceased are being notified. President Donald Trump and Michigan state officials are expected to issue statements as the community grapples with the tragedy.