Four people were killed and eight others wounded Sunday after police in Michigan said a gunman rammed his car into a Mormon church and began opening fire at congregants.
Grand Blanc Township Police Chief William Renye said suspect Thomas Jacob Sanford, 40, also set the church on fire during his roughly 10-minute rampage Sunday morning that ended when officers shot and killed the assailant.
The chief said “additional bodies” were found inside The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which was completely torched in the attack.
“I’d also like to acknowledge the heroism of not only the first responders, but the people who were inside that church at the time,” Chief Renye said. “They were shielding the children who are also present within the church, moving them to safety.”
James Deir, special agent in charge of the ATF Detroit Field Division, said Sanford doused the building in gasoline to help ignite the blaze. Authorities further said he had some suspected explosive devices on church grounds.
Chief Renye said one of the eight surviving shooting victims is still fighting for their life, while the other seven are in stable condition.
Police said the attack started around 10:25 a.m. when the suspect rammed his truck into the side of the church building.
The gunman started shooting at congregants who came out to check on the commotion, according to authorities.
Witness Brian Taylor told WJBK that churchgoers thought someone had accidentally struck the building at first when they heard a loud bang and saw a crack in the wall.
Mr. Taylor said that’s when the suspect got out of his truck and opened fire.
The witness said he and his wife ran to their car and began driving away. The assailant responded by shooting at their vehicle, which caused Mr. Taylor to be hit with shrapnel in the hand.
“We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of prayers and concern from so many people around the world,” the church said in a statement. “In moments of sorrow and uncertainty, we find strength and comfort through our faith in Jesus Christ. Places of worship are meant to be sanctuaries of peacemaking, prayer and connection. We pray for peace and healing for all involved.”
Officials also said Sanford set the church on fire at some point. Police arrived on scene and fatally shot the suspect by 10:33 a.m.
Chief Renye said investigators will search the gunman’s home in Burton, Michigan, and look through his phone records to “find out if there was a motive.”
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said, “My heart is breaking for the Grand Blanc community.”
President Trump also weighed in on the deadly shooting, saying that “this appears to be yet another targeted attack on Christians in the United States of America.”
“The Trump Administration will keep the Public posted, as we always do. In the meantime, pray for the victims, and their families,” he wrote on Truth Social. “This epidemic of violence in our country must end, immediately!”
Attorney General Pam Bondi said FBI and ATF agents were heading to the scene to help with local law enforcement.
“Such violence at a place of worship is heartbreaking and chilling,” Ms. Bondi said. “Please join me in praying for the victims of this terrible tragedy.”
Grand Blanc is about 50 miles north of Detroit.
• Matt Delaney can be reached at mdelaney@washingtontimes.com.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.