Sunday Service Turns Deadly: Michigan Church Shooting and Fire Leave 4 Dead
A violent attack shook a Michigan church on Sunday when a gunman rammed his vehicle into the building, opened fire on congregants, and set the chapel ablaze. Four people were killed, eight others were injured, and the church itself was destroyed in the blaze. The suspect, a 40-year-old ex-Marine, was fatally shot by police within minutes. Investigators are now searching for a motive as the community reels from the tragedy.
Ama Boah
Michigan Church Attack Leaves 4 Dead, 8 Wounded
A Sunday worship service turned into a scene of horror after a man launched a deadly assault on a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints chapel. Authorities confirmed that four people were killed and eight wounded after the attacker rammed a pickup truck into the building, opened fire on congregants, and set parts of the church on fire.
How the Attack Unfolded
The attack began just after services started, with more than 200 people inside. Witnesses said chaos erupted when the truck slammed into the church doors, followed immediately by gunfire. The suspect, identified as Thomas Jacob Sanford, 40, of Burton, Michigan, then poured gasoline inside the building and ignited flames.
Police officers arrived within eight minutes, confronting and fatally shooting the suspect before more lives were lost.
Victims and Damage
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Fatalities: Four worshippers lost their lives, two from gunshot wounds and two from the fire.
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Injuries: Eight people were hospitalized, one in critical condition.
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The chapel itself was declared a total loss, with much of the building reduced to rubble and ash.
Search crews continued working into the night to ensure no additional victims remained in the debris.
Investigation Underway
The FBI is leading the probe alongside state and local authorities. Officials are investigating whether the suspect had ties to the congregation and what motivated the violence. Explosive devices were also discovered at the scene, though investigators have not confirmed their role.
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer expressed condolences, saying, “Violence has no place in our houses of worship or in our communities.”
Community in Mourning
Residents of Grand Blanc Township gathered for vigils as the community struggled to come to terms with the tragedy. Survivors described scenes of panic as parents shielded their children and congregants scrambled to escape both bullets and flames.
The attack has renewed calls for stronger security at places of worship, while also reigniting national debates around gun violence, mental health, and extremism.
Source:
Reuters/TheNewYorkTimes
