An active shooter killed at least two people and injured at least 10 others at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc, Michigan, Sunday morning. Police identified the shooter as 40-year-old Thomas Jacob Sanford from nearby Burton, Michigan.
Sanford was shot and killed by police.
Grand Blanc Township Police Chief William Renye said just before 10:30 a.m., Sanford drove his car into the church. After the crash, he jumped out of the car and began shooting. Two people were killed and one is in critical condition. The remaining victims are listed as stable. Police responded to the shooting within seconds of the incident.
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“FBI are devoting 100 agents to this area, because, as you imagine, there’s a lot of witnesses that were within the church, and that is a lot of witness information statements that we have to obtain,” Renye said.
During the incident, a fire started in the church. That fire was allegedly started by the suspect. It has since been extinguished. As authorities investigate what is left of the building, they expect to find more victims who were unable to escape the fire.
Attorney General Pam Bondi said she has been briefed about the situation. She said both FBI and ATF agents are en route. FBI Director Kash Patel added, “Violence in a place of worship is a cowardly and criminal act. Our prayers are with the victims and their families during this terrible tragedy.”
Renye confirmed services were underway when the incident began, with hundreds of people in the church.
“Violence anywhere, especially in a place of worship, is unacceptable. I am grateful to the first responders who took action quickly,” Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said.
