Michigan Church Attacked: Gunman Kills Four, Injures Nine in Shooting and Fire
The death toll from a devastating attack on a Michigan church on Sunday morning has risen to four, with nine others wounded, as authorities identify the gunman as Thomas Jacob Sanford, a 40-year-old U.S. Marine veteran who served in the Iraq War.
The horrific incident unfolded just before 10:30 a.m. local time at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc Township. Grand Blanc Township Police Chief William Renye stated that the suspect, from nearby Burton, first rammed his Chevy Silverado truck through the front doors of the church, then exited and opened fire with a semi-automatic rifle on the hundreds of worshippers gathered inside.
In addition to the deadly shooting, the church building was left “actively on fire,” with aerial footage showing an enormous plume of black smoke rising from the nearly consumed structure.
Police sources indicate that the shooter, who died at the scene in a shootout with responding officers, is believed to have intentionally set the blaze. Authorities fear the death toll will rise once the building is deemed safe to enter.
IEDs Found at Scene
Further investigation revealed the apparent calculated nature of the attack. Law enforcement sources confirmed to The Post that they found several improvised explosive devices (IEDs) on church property, which a bomb squad is actively investigating. The Michigan State Police Bomb Squad is now using robots and SWAT teams to search the suspect’s home in Burton for additional explosives or evidence.
The gunman, Thomas Jacob Sanford, was identified by law enforcement sources. An old Facebook post by his mother indicated he was a U.S. Marine who served in Iraq from 2004-2008. Social media accounts believed to be connected to Sanford portray him as a family man with a wife and young son. A motive for the deadly rampage remains unclear as federal and local agencies search for clues.
National Officials React
The attack quickly drew a powerful national response.
President Donald Trump wrote on Truth Social, stating he had been briefed on the “horrendous shooting.” While acknowledging the suspect is dead, he speculated on the motive. “This appears to be yet another targeted attack on Christians in the United States of America,” Trump wrote. “PRAY for the victims, and their families. THIS EPIDEMIC OF VIOLENCE IN OUR COUNTRY MUST END, IMMEDIATELY!”
U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi also condemned the attack on X (formerly Twitter), saying she was receiving briefings on the “horrific shooting” and fire. Bondi, who has ordered agents from the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) to the scene, called the violence “heartbreaking and chilling.” The FBI is now leading the federal investigation.
Chief Renye confirmed the shooter was neutralized after an exchange of gunfire with a Michigan Department of Natural Resources officer and a Grand Blanc Township police officer who responded to the scene. The shooter and two victims are confirmed dead, with nine others currently hospitalized, including two in critical condition.
READ: Michigan Rep. Dingell Blasts GOP: “It Is Going To Be A Republican Shutdown”
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