Death Toll Rises to Five in Michigan Mormon Church Shooting

Michigan Mormon Church Shooting: Five Dead Confirmed

Attacker Identified as Sanford

FBI Leads the Investigation

The town of Grand Blanc, Michigan, was the scene of a violent shooting at a Mormon church that left at least five people dead, including the attacker, and wounded eight more.

The tragedy occurred during a religious service at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, attended by “hundreds of people,” according to police.

Grand Blanc Police Chief William Renye explained that two of the victims were found inside the church with gunshot wounds.

The attacker, identified as Thomas Jacob Sanford, died after engaging in a shootout with officers shortly after the gunfire began.

“In total, with the death of the shooter, who was also from Michigan, there are five dead in the church,” Renye said at a press conference.

The Michigan Mormon church shooting has prompted a large-scale response

Profile of the Attacker

Authorities confirmed that Thomas Jacob Sanford, originally from Burton, served in the Navy between 2004 and 2008, reaching the rank of sergeant and working as a mechanic.

During his service, he received honors including the Navy Good Conduct Medal, the Iraq Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal.

You may also like: Three Dead and Eight Injured After Shooting From a Boat in North Carolina

According to police, Thomas Jacob Sanford rammed the church with his car, opened fire with an assault rifle, and later set the building on fire.

The attack began around 10:25 a.m., and according to the official report, “by 10:33 the shooter had been neutralized.” Three improvised explosive devices were also found at the scene.

Reactions and Condemnation

The FBI took control of the investigation, classifying it as “an act of targeted violence.”

At the same time, state police responded to bomb threats at other churches in the community, which were later ruled out.

U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi traveled to the site and said:

“Such violence in a place of worship is heartbreaking and chilling. Please join me in praying for the victims of this terrible tragedy.”

President Donald Trump also reacted immediately to the actions of Thomas Jacob Sanford:

“This appears to be another targeted attack against Christians in the United States of America. The Trump Administration will keep the public informed, 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 Michigan church shooting underscores the ongoing debate in the U.S. about safety in religious spaces and the use of assault weapons.

This incident once again highlights the vulnerability of communities to mass violence.

Ongoing Investigation into the Michigan Church Shooting

The investigation into Sanford’s motives continues under the leadership of the FBI and local authorities.

The Michigan church shooting remains under development, with updates expected in the coming days.

SOURCE: EFE