Ex-Marine Kills 4, Wounds 8 in Michigan Church Shooting Before Police End Attack

A former Marine crashed into a Latter-day Saints church in Grand Blanc Township, Mich., opened fire, set the building ablaze, and was killed by police. The Sunday morning attack claimed the lives of four people and injured eight others.

Authorities have reported that a 40-year-old man named Thomas Jacob Sanford from Burton drove a pickup truck into a Latter-day Saints church near Flint on Sunday. Investigators report that he opened fire on worshippers and ignited a fire, but police shot him dead shortly after.

The incident occurred around 10:25 a.m. while hundreds were present for services at the church in Grand Blanc Township, according to Police Chief William Renye. According to eyewitness accounts, Sanford exited his truck, adorned with two prominent American flags, and opened fire into the gathering. 

According to James Dier from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, he seemingly utilized gasoline to ignite the fire. Authorities found explosive devices at the location, but it remains uncertain whether they were deployed.

Officials have reported that four individuals died, while eight others sustained injuries. On Sunday night, one individual was in critical condition, while seven others were reported to be in stable condition. Authorities have discovered two bodies amidst the scorched remains, and they cautioned that ongoing search efforts may uncover additional victims.

According to Renye, police officers arrived at the scene in response to 911 calls in just 30 seconds. Following Sanford's departure from the church, two officers engaged in a pursuit that culminated in a fatal exchange of gunfire approximately eight minutes later. “Individuals within the church protected children and guided them to safety amid the assault,” Renye stated.

The FBI has taken over the investigation, labeling the assault as “an act of targeted violence,” according to Special Agent in Charge Ruben Coleman. 

Sanford, a Marine Corps veteran with service from 2004 to 2008, was deployed to Iraq in 2007 and held positions as an automotive mechanic and vehicle recovery operator, as indicated by military records.

The reason behind it remains unknown. Authorities searched Sanford’s residence, but the results have not been disclosed. Authorities did not disclose any connections he may have had with the church. In a developing situation, Michigan State Police have confirmed that bomb threats were reported against additional churches in the vicinity following the death of Sanford; however, no explosives were discovered.

Recent events have shaken the Grand Blanc community. Governor Gretchen Whitmer described the shooting as “unacceptable,” and city Mayor John Creasey expressed that the tragedy “is painful for our entire community.”

 Local congregations gathered for vigils, with a pastor encouraging the community to pursue peace even in these challenging and exhausting times.