Michigan, United States – At least four people were killed and eight others injured on Sunday when a gunman stormed a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints congregation in Grand Blanc Township, northwest of Detroit, before setting the building on fire.
Police identified the suspect as 40-year-old Thomas Jacob Sanford from Burton. He drove a pickup truck into the church’s entrance, exited with an assault rifle, and opened fire on worshippers gathered for a morning service. Authorities said Sanford used gasoline to torch the church, which was left in ruins.
Responding officers shot Sanford dead eight minutes after the first emergency call. Grand Blanc Township Police Chief William Renye said more bodies could be found, as parts of the building were yet to be cleared.
One of the survivors told AFP: “I lost friends in there, and some of my little primary children that I teach on Sundays were hurt. It’s very devastating for me.”
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer condemned the attack, calling it “unacceptable violence in a place of worship.” U.S. President Donald Trump also expressed shock, saying on Truth Social: “The suspect is dead, but there is still a lot to learn.”
The wounded are being treated at Henry Ford Genesys Hospital, where one remains in critical condition. FBI agents have joined local authorities in investigating Sanford’s motive, with his home and phone records under review.
The attack comes a day after the death of Russell Nelson, the 101-year-old leader of the Mormon faith, plunging the community into deeper grief.
