**Gunman Attacks Michigan Church, Leaving Four Dead and Eight Injured** GRAND BLANC TOWNSHIP, Mich. — A tragic shooting at a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Michigan resulted in at least four fatalities and eight injuries during a crowded Sunday service. The incident occurred around 10:25 a.m. when a man drove a pickup truck into the church, opened fire, and subsequently set the building ablaze. Police fatally shot the suspect shortly after the attack. Authorities identified the shooter as Thomas Jacob Sanford, 40, from Burton, a nearby town. Police Chief William Renye reported that Sanford exited his truck, which displayed two American flags, and began shooting at congregants. He allegedly used gasoline to ignite the fire and was found to have explosive devices, although it remains unclear if they were deployed. The FBI is leading the investigation, classifying the incident as an “act of targeted violence,” according to special agent Ruben Coleman. Officers arrived at the scene within 30 seconds of a 911 call and engaged in a gunfight with Sanford about eight minutes later. During the chaos, churchgoers acted quickly to protect children, moving them to safety as flames engulfed the building. The fire burned for hours before it was extinguished. As search efforts continued through the debris, two bodies were discovered, and authorities warned that more victims could still be found. One of the injured individuals was reported in critical condition, while the others were stable. Renye noted that some individuals remained unaccounted for, but he did not provide specific numbers. Following the shooting, bomb threats were reported at other local churches, but no explosives were found. Investigators are examining Sanford’s home for further evidence, but details about his background, including any connection to the church, have not been disclosed. Military records indicate that Sanford served in the Marines from 2004 to 2008, including a deployment to Iraq. This incident marks another in a series of violent attacks on places of worship in the U.S. over the past two decades. It also follows a separate mass shooting in Southport, North Carolina, that occurred just hours earlier, resulting in three deaths and five injuries. In response to the Michigan shooting, President Donald Trump commended the FBI's swift action and called for prayers for the victims and their families. He emphasized the need to address the ongoing violence in the country. The church, located in a residential area near a Jehovah’s Witness congregation, was filled with worshippers at the time of the attack. Local resident Brad Schneemann reported hearing multiple gunshots shortly after the incident began. Timothy Jones, a member of a nearby congregation, expressed the shock felt by the community. He noted that Sundays are typically a time for peace and reflection, making the violence all the more tragic. The shooting occurred just a day after the passing of Russell M. Nelson, the president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The church has stated it is in contact with local law enforcement as the investigation unfolds. In the wake of the shooting, community members gathered for a prayer service at a nearby church, seeking solace and healing for the victims and their families. Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer expressed her heartbreak over the incident, calling violence in places of worship unacceptable. As the investigation continues, the community remains in mourning, grappling with the impact of this devastating event.
Gunman Attacks Michigan Church, Leaving Four Dead and Eight Injured

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