Michigan Church Attack Leaves Four Dead, Multiple Injured

Hadisur Rahman, JadeTimes Staff

H. Rahman is a Jadetimes news reporter covering the USA

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Image Souce: Emily Elconin, Getty Images

At least four people were killed and several others injured after a man drove a vehicle into a Michigan church, opened fire with a rifle, and set the building ablaze during Sunday services, authorities said.

The suspect, identified as 40-year-old Thomas Jacob Sanford from nearby Burton, died in an exchange of gunfire with responding officers in the church’s parking lot, Grand Blanc Township Police Chief William Renye confirmed. Hundreds of worshippers were attending The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc, a suburb of Flint, when the attack occurred.

Police said Sanford rammed a pickup truck into the church, fired multiple rounds at congregants, and deliberately ignited the building using an accelerant, believed to be gasoline. Videos from the scene showed flames and smoke engulfing the church, which was later declared a total loss by authorities. Ten people sustained gunshot injuries, including two fatalities; one victim remains in critical condition while the others are stable. Authorities continue to search the building for additional victims.

The FBI is leading the investigation, treating the incident as an act of targeted violence. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) confirmed that suspected explosive devices were found at the scene, though it remains unclear if they were used to start the fire. Michigan State Police are also responding to bomb threats across the community, and multiple nearby churches were searched and cleared.

Sanford, a U.S. Marine veteran who served in Japan and Iraq, had a history of military service, according to family posts and public records. Police arrived on the scene within 30 seconds of receiving the emergency call, engaging Sanford and neutralizing him within minutes.

Local officials praised the quick response of first responders and congregants who helped evacuate children and others from the church. Grand Blanc Township Supervisor Scott Bennett described the incident as “heartbreaking” and pledged support for victims and the community as authorities continue recovery efforts.

The investigation is ongoing as law enforcement seeks to determine the motive and ensure the safety of the area.