At least four people have died and at least eight have been injured after a gunman opened fire inside a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints chapel in Michigan and set the building ablaze, authorities said on Sept. 28, adding that the suspected shooter has been taken down. The shooting occurred at the church in Grand Blanc, Michigan, on Sept. 28, authorities wrote on social media.
So far, four churchgoers are confirmed to have died in the Sunday attack, with police warning that they could find other victims in the burned-down church. One victim of the attack is in critical condition. Seven others who were wounded in the attack are stable.
Reuben Coleman, the acting special agent in charge of the bureau’s Detroit field office, said during a Sunday evening press conference that the FBI would take the lead on the case, which is being investigated as a targeted attack. “I can confirm at this time that the FBI is now leading the investigation and is investigating this as an act of targeted violence,” Coleman said.
At a news conference, Chief of Police William Renye said the suspect was identified as a 40-year-old male from Burton, Michigan, named Thomas Jacob Sanford, who died at the scene of the attack. According to officials, the first 911 call about the attack came in at 10:25 a.m. local time. Officers were on the scene to respond by 10:26 a.m. “A 40-year-old suspect from Burton—he’s a male, he drove his vehicle through the front doors of the church,” Renye said at a briefing. “He then exited his vehicle firing several rounds at individuals within the church.”
Officers had neutralized Burton by 10:33 a.m., officials said at a press conference on Sept. 28. The police department added that reunification sites for family members were set up onsite and offsite. It also advised people to avoid the area.
Local television footage revealed a significant law enforcement and emergency response presence. Footage showed that there appeared to be a significant fire at the church.
Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson said the area had been evacuated and local and federal authorities were at the scene. “The entire church is on fire,” Swanson told The Associated Press. “This is a dynamic scene.”
Police believe the suspect deliberately set the building on fire. “There’s a lot of things that are happening that we are not able to communicate just because of the work that needs to be done,” Swanson said.
Grand Blanc is a community of around 8,000 located outside Flint, Michigan, roughly 70 miles northwest of Detroit. The church, encircled by a parking lot and a large lawn, is located near residential areas and a Jehovah’s Witness church in Grand Blanc.
Attorney General Pam Bondi wrote in a post on X that she is being briefed. “I am receiving briefings about what appears to be a horrific shooting and fire at an LDS church in Grand Blanc, Michigan,” Bondi said. “@FBI and @ATFHQ agents are en route to the scene now. Such violence at a place of worship is heartbreaking and chilling. Please join me in praying for the victims of this terrible tragedy.”
FBI Director Kash Patel condemned the violence at the church, adding that agents are on the scene investigating and that his office is monitoring the situation.
In a statement on social media, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said that her “heart is breaking for the Grand Banc community” and condemned violence, “especially in a place of worship.” The Democratic governor added that she is continuing to monitor the situation.
Republican Michigan candidate for governor Sen. Aric Nesbitt wrote on social media: “These heinous attacks on our faith and way of life can never be tolerated on American soil. My office is monitoring this situation closely and we are praying for everyone involved.”
The shooting occurred a day after Russell M. Nelson, the oldest-ever president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, died at 101, the church said in a statement on Sept. 27. The next president of the faith, known widely as the Mormon church, is expected to be Dallin H. Oaks, per church protocol. Around 2 percent of Americans identify as members of the church, according to Pew Research.
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