Two other people died inside the building that was set on fire during a shooting at a meetinghouse of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc, Michigan, on Sunday morning.
The information was provided by Grand Blanc Township Chief of Police William Renye during a 6 p.m. news conference.
The attack was “an act of targeted violence,” according to Reuben Coleman, acting special agent in charge of the Detroit FBI field office.
Renye said that the entire building has yet to be cleared and there are still individuals who have yet to be accounted for.
Two other individuals died due to injuries from the shooting, as reported earlier in the day. In addition to the four deceased victims, the shooter was also killed.
Seven shooting victims are in stable condition, and one is in critical condition, Renye said in a brief 3 p.m. press conference where he didn’t take questions.
Police say the suspect, identified as 40-year-old Thomas Jacob Sanford from Burton, Michigan, drove his vehicle into the meetinghouse where hundreds were gathered for services. The suspect exited the vehicle and began firing, police say. The fire that engulfed the building is believed to have been deliberately set by the suspect.
Police reported that the truck crashed through the “front doors” of the meetinghouse, but witnesses say the truck crashed through the front wall.
The suspect was killed in the parking lot after exchanging gunfire with officers who responded quickly to the scene, Renye said.
“A call came out at 10:25 a.m. and 32 seconds,” Renye said. “We had officers on scene at 10:25 and 57 seconds.”
Police said earlier in the day that they believed they “will find additional victims once we have that scene secure.”
“There was a large fire and we do believe that there (were) people up there that were near that fire, and they were unable to get out of the church,” Renye said.
Church statement on shooting
The Church of Jesus Christ issued a statement on the incident.
“A tragic act of violence occurred today at a chapel of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc, Michigan,” the statement said. “During Sunday worship services a gunman opened fire, and early reports indicate that multiple individuals were injured. We ask for cooperation with local authorities as details become available.
“The church is in communication with local law enforcement as the investigation continues and as we receive updates on the condition of those affected. We offer thanks to the emergency responders who are assisting victims and families.
“We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of prayers and concern from so many people around the world. In moments of sorrow and uncertainty, we find strength and comfort through our faith in Jesus Christ. Places of worship are meant to be sanctuaries of peacemaking, prayer and connection. We pray for peace and healing for all involved.”
What happened at the Michigan church shooting
During an initial press conference Sunday, Renye provided the following information:
- The suspect is a 40-year-old male from Burton, Michigan.
- The suspect drove his vehicle through the front doors of the meetinghouse, exited and began firing.
- Two officers “immediately” responded and engaged in gunfire, killing the suspect.
- Police believe the fire was “deliberately set by the suspect.”
- “We do believe that we will find additional victims once we have that scene secure,” Renye said.
- Police are seeking cell records and search warrants for the suspect’s residence and will be looking for a motive.
- The FBI is devoting a hundred agents to the area.
- The shooting occurred during a service attended by “hundreds of people within the church,” Renye said.
- “We do not believe that there is a threat to the public,” Renye said. “We believe that we have the guy who did this.”
- The weapon used was “an assault rifle.”
A woman named Paula said she attended sacrament meeting and a second meeting at the Grand Blanc Stake Center on Sunday. A counselor in the bishopric was speaking when everyone heard a loud bang, according to a Scripps News video interview.
“My church is gone. I joined the church 38 years ago in that building, and now it’s gone,” Paula told WXYZ-TV. “It’s devastating to know that I’ve lost friends and to see somebody would do this to our church.”
She fled the building with others. When they got in their cars, the suspect opened fire on their vehicles.
“I didn’t know what was going on. I didn’t know what was going on, and I didn’t know if we were going to have to get down because we couldn’t see anybody. We couldn’t see,” Paula said.
Reactions to the Michigan church shooting
President Donald Trump called for prayer for the victims and an end to the “epidemic of violence in our country.”
“I have been briefed on the horrendous shooting that took place at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, in Grand Blanc, Michigan,” Trump posted on Truth Social.“ The FBI was immediately on scene, and will be leading the Federal Investigation, and providing full support to State and Local Officials. The suspect is dead, but there is still a lot to learn. This appears to be yet another targeted attack on Christians in the United States of America. The Trump Administration will keep the Public posted, as we always do. In the meantime, PRAY for the victims, and their families. THIS EPIDEMIC OF VIOLENCE IN OUR COUNTRY MUST END, IMMEDIATELY!”
U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi said she was receiving briefings on the shooting.
“Such violence at a place of worship is heartbreaking and chilling,” she said. “Please join me in praying for the victims of this terrible tragedy.”
FBI Director Kash Patel said agents are on the scene to assist local authorities.
“Violence in a place of worship is a cowardly and criminal act,” Patel wrote on X.com. “Our prayers are with the victims and their families during this terrible tragedy.”
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said her heart was breaking for the Grand Blanc community in a comment posted to X.com.
“Violence anywhere, especially in a place of worship, is unacceptable. I am grateful to the first responders who took action so quickly. We will continue to monitor this situation and hold the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc close.”
Rep. John James, R-Michigan, posted a message on social media saying he and his wife were horrified by the news.
“On this Sunday, a day meant for worship and peace, such violence is a grave evil,” James wrote.
Utah Gov. Spencer Cox also responded, saying his was sick over the news and was praying for his Latter-day Saint brothers and sisters at the meetinghouse.
Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, posted that it should be safe to attend church.
Utah’s other senator, John Curtis, also a Republican, shared a similar sentiment.
“A house of worship should be a place of peace and refuge, never a place of violence,” he said in a statement on X.com.
Former Sen. Mitt Romney, who grew up in Michigan, also posted on social media.