Today, during a Sunday morning service, a gunman drove into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc Township, Michigan, opened fire on worshippers, set the sanctuary ablaze and left at least four people dead, 8 others wounded.
Police identified the suspect as 40-year-old Thomas Jacob Sanford of Burton, who was killed in a gunfight with officers in the church parking lot. Investigators say Sanford rammed his vehicle through the doors of the Church before firing at congregants and igniting the blaze with gasoline.
Authorities confirmed two of the victims died from gunshot wounds. Others may yet be discovered as crews sift through the burned structure. At least eight people were wounded.
The FBI is leading the investigation and treating the attack as an “act of targeted violence.” Suspected explosive devices were recovered at the site, though it remains unclear if they were used to start the fire. Officials urged the public to remain vigilant after additional bomb threats were called in to nearby churches later in the day.
As the Canadian News Hub family, our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their loved ones and the Grand Blanc community.