A tragic attack shocked the state of Michigan on Sunday when a former U.S. Marine stormed a church, killing at least four people and injuring eight others before being shot dead by police.
The violence unfolded at the Michigan Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc Township, about 60 miles northwest of Detroit. Authorities identified the attacker as Thomas Jacob Sanford, a 40-year-old veteran from Burton.
Police said Sanford crashed his car into the church entrance before entering with an assault rifle. He also used gasoline to ignite flames inside the building. Hundreds of worshippers were present when chaos erupted.
Two victims died instantly, while eight others were rushed to nearby hospitals. Hours later, investigators discovered two more bodies in the burned remains of the Michigan Church. Police Chief William Renye said some people were still unaccounted for as search teams continued their work.
Officers responded within seconds of the first emergency call. Two policemen engaged Sanford in a gunfight and killed him in the parking lot less than ten minutes after the attack began.
The FBI is investigating the case as targeted violence. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives confirmed explosives were also recovered from the scene.
Military records showed Sanford served in the Marines from 2004 to 2008, including deployment to Iraq. Investigators are reviewing his home and phone data to uncover possible motives.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of terror. One church member said she lost friends and children from her Sunday class were among the injured. Another recalled a loud crash as the attacker broke through the doors.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy. The massacre marked the 324th mass shooting in the United States this year, according to the Gun Violence Archive.
The Michigan Church attack came just hours after two other mass shootings in North Carolina and Texas, raising further alarm about rising violence across the country.
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