At least one person was killed and nine others were wounded in a shooting at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc, Michigan; a suburb of Flint, Michigan located about an hour north of Detroit.
Authorities say the shooter drove his vehicle through the front of the church during a large service, began shooting, and then intentionally set a fire that grew into a large blaze. Police believe they may find additional victims when it is safe to enter the building.
Grand Blanc Police Chief William Renye said at a news conference that the incident took place at 10:25 a.m. with more than 100 people were attending the church service. Renye said that “He ran the vehicle through the front door, exited and started firing shots,” with at least 10 parishioners shot, including two who were killed. One of the victims remains in critical condition, while the other are listed as stable. According to Renye, officers killed the suspect – 40-year-old Thomas Jacob Sanford from Burton, Michigan – after exchanging gunfire with him. Two officers were involved in the shootout: one from the Department of Natural Resources and another from Grand Blanc Township.
According to law enforcement officials, the fire set in the aftermath of the shooting grew to a five-alarm blaze that caused a partial collapse of the structure. The fire was extinguished just before 1 p.m. Renye said at the afternoon briefing that a motive for the fire is still unclear, and “we are still trying to determine exactly when and where that fire ended up coming from and how it got started, so we believe it was deliberately set out by the suspect.”
President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social that he has been briefed on the “horrendous shooting that took place at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, in Grand Blanc, Michigan. 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!”
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints spokesperson Doug Andersen released a statement after the shooting: “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.” Andersen said the church is “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.
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