Authorities say at least four people lost their lives and eight others were injured after a man rammed his vehicle into a Michigan church, began shooting inside, and then set the building on fire before being fatally shot by police.
The incident took place at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc, roughly 60 miles northwest of Detroit, during a Sunday worship service attended by hundreds.
Police identified the suspect as 40-year-old Thomas Jacob Sanford of Burton, Michigan. He was killed by officers in the church parking lot shortly after the attack.
Investigators are treating the case as an “act of targeted violence,” though no motive has yet been confirmed.
Two people initially died from gunshot wounds, according to Grand Blanc Township Police Chief William Renye. He later reported that two additional bodies were discovered and that “some” individuals remained unaccounted for while teams continued searching the burned church building.
The assault began around 10:25am local time, when Sanford drove a vehicle into the church before firing an assault-style rifle, “firing several rounds at individuals within the church,” Chief Renye said.
Officers quickly arrived, returning fire and fatally shooting Sanford at 10:33am, just eight minutes after the attack began. “Engaged in gunfire with that particular individual, neutralising that suspect,” Renye confirmed.
Authorities say Sanford used gasoline or a similar accelerant to ignite the blaze. “We are still trying to determine exactly when and where the fire ended up coming from and how it got started,” Renye said.
The police chief also commended parishioners who shielded children during the chaos, praising their “heroism.”
Investigators have launched searches of Sanford’s home and are reviewing his phone records. Records show he was a Marine Corps veteran.
Federal investigators have taken charge of the case. Specialized FBI units, including crisis teams and bomb technicians, have been dispatched to assist local authorities.
Meanwhile, Michigan State Police confirmed that officers have responded to a series of bomb threats at other sites, though “We’ve responded and cleared those locations,” said spokeswoman Kim Vetter.
In a statement, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints confirmed that a gunman opened fire during services and that “multiple individuals were injured”.
“We pray for peace and healing for all involved,” the statement added.
Local police said roughly 100 FBI personnel are now working on the case.
President Donald Trump confirmed he had been briefed and said the FBI would take the lead in the federal probe. On Truth Social, he called the incident “yet another targeted attack on Christians in the United States of America”.
US Attorney General Pam Bondi described it on X as “what appears to be a horrific shooting and fire” at the church, adding: “Such violence at a place of worship is heartbreaking and chilling.” She urged the public: “Please join me in praying for the victims of this terrible tragedy.”
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer denounced the attack, saying: “Violence anywhere, especially in a place of worship, is unacceptable,” while confirming she was closely monitoring developments.
Former Utah senator Mitt Romney, a prominent Mormon political figure, also reacted, calling the incident a “tragedy” and adding: “My brothers and sisters and their church are targets of violence. Praying for healing and comforting.”
