At least four people were killed and eight others injured after a gunman rammed a vehicle into a church in Michigan, opened fire, and set the building ablaze, police said.
The attack took place on Sunday morning at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc, about 60 miles (100km) northwest of Detroit. Hundreds of worshippers were inside when the violence began.
The suspect, identified as Thomas Jacob Sanford, 40, of Burton, Michigan, was shot dead by police in the church car park just minutes after the assault. Authorities described the incident as an “act of targeted violence,” though the motive remains under investigation.
Two victims died from gunshot wounds, and two others were later confirmed dead, Grand Blanc Township Police Chief William Renye told reporters. Some individuals remain unaccounted for as crews continue clearing the fire-damaged building.
Police said the attack began at around 10:25 local time (15:25 GMT), when Sanford drove into the church before opening fire with an assault-style rifle. He also used gasoline to start a fire inside. Officers arrived quickly, exchanged gunfire, and killed him at 10:33 — just eight minutes later.
Chief Renye praised worshippers who sheltered children during the assault. Investigators are now searching Sanford’s property and examining his phone records. Records show he was a Marine Corps veteran.
The FBI has taken charge of the investigation, deploying crisis response teams, bomb technicians, and more than 100 agents. Michigan State Police said they also responded to additional bomb threats at other locations, all of which were cleared.
In a statement, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints confirmed “multiple individuals were injured” during the service and urged prayers for the victims.
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President Donald Trump said he had been briefed and confirmed the FBI is leading the federal investigation, calling the attack “yet another targeted assault on Christians in the United States of America.”
US Attorney General Pam Bondi called the incident “heartbreaking and chilling,” while Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer condemned the attack as “unacceptable.” Former Utah senator Mitt Romney described it as a “tragedy,” saying: “My brothers and sisters and their church are targets of violence. Praying for healing and comforting.”
