This is what churchgoers did after gunman opened fire inside Michigan church
At least four killed, several injured after former Marine drove into Mormon church, set it ablaze, and exchanged fire with police
Worshippers in Grand Blanc Township tried to protect children and move them to safety after a gunman stormed their church on Sunday, killing at least four people and injuring many more. Authorities say the attack left the building in ruins, and several people remain unaccounted for.
The violence unfolded Sunday morning at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc Township, Michigan. Authorities identified the suspect as Thomas Jacob Sanford, 40, a former Marine who served four years and was deployed to Iraq.
Police say Sanford drove a vehicle through the church doors while displaying two U.S. national flags, then got out and began firing on congregants attending services.
Grand Blanc Township Police Chief William Renye told reporters that Sanford was killed during a confrontation with law enforcement. Officers exchanged fire with him before the church was engulfed in flames.
By late Sunday afternoon, the church building was heavily damaged. Firefighters worked for hours to bring the blaze under control, but investigators warned they expected to find additional victims inside.
Worshippers acted to protect children
Amid the chaos, church members tried to shield children from the gunfire.
“I’d also like to acknowledge the heroism of not only the first responders, but the people who were inside that church at the time,” Chief Renye said. “They were shielding the children who were present within the church, moving them to safety.”
Witnesses reported scenes of confusion as families attempted to flee. Parents were seen ushering children out side doors while others helped elderly congregants escape.
Authorities confirmed that at least four people were killed, with the death toll possibly rising as searches continue. Ten people with gunshot wounds were transported to local hospitals. One victim died shortly after arrival.
By Sunday evening, officials said as many as seven people remained unaccounted for. Some may be survivors who have not yet reached out to family members, but others could be among those trapped inside the burned church.
“We do know that there are some unaccounted for,” Chief Renye said.
Fire inside the church
After Sanford opened fire, he reportedly set the church on fire before exchanging shots with police. Flames quickly spread through the building, sending thick smoke into the sky that could be seen from nearby neighborhoods.
Local residents described watching firefighters battle the blaze as law enforcement secured the area. The church was left badly damaged, complicating recovery efforts.
The FBI has taken over the investigation, classifying the incident as “an act of targeted violence.” Officials have not released details about Sanford’s possible motive.
“This act of violence has no place in our state or anywhere else in our country,” said Reuben Coleman, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Detroit Field Office. “The FBI is committed to finding out the facts, circumstances, and motives behind this tragedy.”
Federal agents, along with Michigan State Police and local law enforcement, remain on site collecting evidence and interviewing witnesses.
Who was the suspect?
Sanford served in the U.S. Marines from 2004 to 2008 and was deployed in Iraq. Authorities have not disclosed whether he had any prior criminal history.
Images circulating online showed him holding military gear, but officials stressed that they were still reviewing his background and digital footprint to determine what led to Sunday’s attack.
The attack has left the Grand Blanc Township community reeling. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has a strong presence in Michigan, and local leaders say congregations across the state are rallying to support those affected.
Neighbors left flowers and candles near the police cordon surrounding the destroyed church Sunday night. Some said they could still smell smoke hours after the fire was extinguished.
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer issued a statement expressing sorrow for the victims and pledging support for ongoing investigations.
Local hospitals, including Hurley Medical Center in Flint, confirmed they were treating victims but declined to provide updates on conditions.
As investigators sift through the ruins of the church, families of missing members face an agonizing wait. Officials are expected to provide updates on identification of victims and recovery efforts in the coming days.
The FBI is urging anyone with information about Sanford or the events leading up to the shooting to come forward.
For now, a community that gathered for worship is left to grieve the loss of life, the destruction of their church, and the violence that struck during one of their most sacred moments.
