The search for more potential victims of a mass shooting at a Michigan church continued into Monday, following a horrific incident where a gunman killed at least four people while hundreds were gathered for worship. The attacker, identified as Thomas Jacob Sanford, 40, drove his truck into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints located in Grand Blanc, Michigan, on Sunday morning. After crashing his vehicle into the chapel, he opened fire on congregants and subsequently set the building ablaze, according to law enforcement officials.
At least four individuals lost their lives, and eight others sustained injuries from the shooting and fire, as reported by the police. The gunman was ultimately killed in a shootout with responding officers. The FBI is now spearheading the investigation, categorizing the assault as an act of targeted violence. Authorities have confirmed that one victim died at the scene, another succumbed to injuries at the hospital, while two more individuals were found deceased in the rubble of the fire.
As of now, eight additional victims remain hospitalized: seven are reported to be in stable condition, while one is in critical condition. Grand Blanc Township Police Chief William Renye shared with reporters that the investigation is ongoing, stating, “We do believe we will find additional victims once we have that scene secured.” Tragically, the chapel has been deemed a total loss as investigators sift through the debris for clues.
A source familiar with the investigation disclosed to ABC News that detectives are working diligently to ascertain the motive behind this tragic shooting. Investigators are also examining whether the church had received any threats in the preceding months, and they are exploring potential connections to the recent death of Russell M. Nelson, the 101-year-old president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, who passed away on Saturday.
Police Chief Renye stated during the news conference that the FBI has deployed over 100 agents to assist with the investigation. He described the attack, saying, “The gunman ran the vehicle through the front door, exited, and started firing shots.” However, law enforcement officials have not yet determined any connection between the shooter and the church.
Thomas Jacob Sanford was a veteran of the Iraq War. According to the United States Marine Corps, he served four years in the Marines from June 2004 to June 2008, ultimately achieving the rank of sergeant during one combat tour in Iraq.
Former President Donald Trump expressed his condolences on social media, stating he had been briefed on the shooting and fire. He remarked, “This appears to be yet another targeted attack on Christians in the United States of America,” and called for prayers for the victims and their families. Trump emphasized the need to address the “epidemic of violence” in the country.
Vice President JD Vance also took to social media, labeling the shooting and fire at the LDS church as awful and confirming that the Trump administration is closely monitoring the situation. Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer expressed her heartbreak for the Grand Blanc community, stating that violence in any place of worship is unacceptable. She thanked first responders for their swift action and assured the public that the situation would be continuously monitored.
This tragic event has shocked the local community and raised concerns about safety in places of worship. The investigation continues as authorities work to uncover the full details surrounding this devastating incident.
