Michigan Church Shooting: 4 Dead, 8 Injured in Grand Blanc Tragedy

A deadly attack struck The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc Township, Michigan, on Sunday, leaving at least four people dead and eight others wounded, according to police.

Authorities say the gunman, later identified as 40-year-old Thomas Jacob Sanford of Burton, rammed his vehicle through the church’s front entrance during a packed service. He then opened fire on worshippers before deliberately setting the building ablaze. The fire quickly spread, engulfing the church in flames and causing significant structural damage.

Police engaged in a shootout with Sanford, ultimately killing him at the scene. Investigators warn that additional victims may still be found inside the charred remains of the building as crews continue their search.

Grand Blanc, a suburb of Flint, Michigan, sits roughly an hour north of Detroit. The shocking attack has drawn swift responses from state leaders and religious officials, who called the tragedy “an assault on faith and community.”

The investigation, now involving federal authorities, remains ongoing as families and church members mourn the devastating loss.