A shooting incident occurred at a Mormon church in Grand Blanc, Michigan, on Sunday morning (Sept. 28), resulting in at least 5 deaths and 8 injuries. Police reported that the gunman drove a vehicle at high speed through the church's front doors, opened fire on congregants, and subsequently set the church on fire. He later exchanged gunfire with police and was ultimately shot dead at the scene. The shooter was identified as 40-year-old local resident Thomas Jacob Sanford, who had served in the Marine Corps and was stationed in Iraq. Authorities are investigating the motive behind his actions.
The event took place around 10:25 am, while the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, commonly referred to as the Mormon Church, was holding its Sunday service. Approximately 20 minutes into the service, Sanford suddenly drove a pickup truck through the church's front door, opened fire with an assault rifle at the hundreds of congregants present, and then set the church ablaze, causing the fire to spread rapidly. Police arrived on the scene shortly after receiving reports and shot the gunman in a nearby parking lot at 10:33 am. The church fire burned for several hours before being extinguished, leaving the entire structure completely destroyed.
Social media footage showed the gunman's vehicle crashing into the side wall of the church, with significant damage visible and two American flags hanging from the truck. The fire consumed the church, sending thick smoke billowing into the sky. Firefighters rescued several injured individuals from the smoke, while many shaken congregants were evacuated to a nearby location, with many in tears embracing and comforting one another.
A spokesperson for the US Marine Corps confirmed that Sanford grew up in the local area and served from 2004 to 2008 as a mechanic and emergency vehicle repairman, including a year stationed in Iraq. The Marine Corps stated that Sanford performed well during his service, receiving several awards, including the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.
Acting director of the FBI's Detroit office, stated that authorities are investigating the case as a targeted act of violence, believing that the gunman had specific motives and targets. US media reported that investigators are looking into whether the incident is related to the passing of 101-year-old Mormon leader Nelson the day before the shooting; however, police have not yet clarified whether Sanford was a member of the Mormon Church.
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