() Four people have been killed and eight others injured in a shooting and fire at a church in Michigan on Sunday, police said.
A 40-year-old suspect named Thomas Jacob Sanford from Burton, Michigan, is believed to have crashed his car into a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints building before firing upon attendees, according to authorities. Sanford lost his life following an exchange of gunfire with law enforcement, they reported.
Grand Blanc Township Police Chief William Renye confirmed that two individuals died from gunshot wounds, and two additional victims were found within the church, though their specific causes of death were not disclosed.
When the shooting broke out, members inside the church shielded children and moved them to safety, authorities said.
At some point during the shooting, a fire broke out, which the suspect is believed to have set using gasoline.
The FBI said the shooting is being investigated as an act of “targeted violence.”
Michigan State Police announced their ongoing investigation into other potential bomb threats. Reports of these threats prompted authorities to thoroughly search several churches.
The incident occurred around 10:25 a.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints located in Grand Blanc, approximately 50 miles from Detroit. Police indicated that there were likely hundreds of people attending the service, and they anticipated discovering more victims.
“The entire church has not been cleared because it’s a total loss due to the fire,” Renye said.
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer condemned the shooting in a statement, writing, “Violence anywhere especially in a place of worship, is unacceptable.”
President Donald Trump announced that a federal investigation into the shooting would be underway, while condemning the violence.
“PRAY for the victims, and their families. THIS EPIDEMIC OF VIOLENCE IN OUR COUNTRY MUST END, IMMEDIATELY,” Trump wrote in a social media post.
The shooting prompted a nationwide response, with law enforcement agencies, including the New York Police Department, heightening security measures at religious sites across the country.
Attorney General Pam Bondi said she was receiving briefings on the shooting.
“The @FBI and @ATFHQ agents are currently heading to the location,” she stated. “Experiencing such violence in a place meant for worship is both devastating and terrifying. Please join me in offering prayers for the victims of this devastating incident.”
Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said her agency would provide more updates when they become available.
“Sacred places of worship should never fear violence in America,” she said. “I am praying for the victims of this heinous attack and their families.”
