At least four people were killed and eight others injured after a gunman drove a vehicle into a Michigan church, opened fire inside the building, and then set it ablaze, authorities said.
The attack targeted the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc, a town roughly 60 miles (100km) northwest of Detroit, during a Sunday service attended by several hundred worshippers.
Police identified the suspect as Thomas Jacob Sanford, 40, from Burton, Michigan. He was shot and killed by officers in the church parking lot shortly after the rampage began.
Officials described the violence as an “act of targeted violence” but said the motive remains unknown.
Grand Blanc Township Police Chief William Renye told reporters that two victims died from gunshot wounds during the initial assault. He later confirmed that two more bodies had been discovered and said “some” others were still unaccounted for as of Sunday evening.
The church was still being searched late into the night after sustaining extensive fire damage.
Chief Renye said services were underway at around 10:25 local time (15:25 GMT) when Sanford rammed his vehicle into the building. He then entered with an assault-style rifle, “firing several rounds at individuals within the church,” according to the police chief.
Officers arrived within minutes and exchanged fire with the suspect. “The police responded immediately to the scene, engaging in gunfire with that particular individual, neutralising that suspect,” Chief Renye said.
Sanford was fatally shot at 10:33 local time, just eight minutes after the attack began.
Investigators believe Sanford used an accelerant, likely gasoline, to start the blaze that engulfed part of the building. “We are still trying to determine exactly when and where the fire ended up coming from and how it got started,” Renye said.
Amid the chaos, some church members acted to protect children from the violence. Chief Renye praised their “heroism,” saying their actions may have saved lives.
Authorities are now examining Sanford’s property and cell phone records in search of a motive. Records reviewed by CBS show he was a Marine Corps veteran.
The FBI is leading the investigation. Reuben Coleman, the acting special agent in charge of the Detroit field office, confirmed that crisis response teams, bomb technicians, and additional agents had been deployed to the scene.
Michigan State Police said officers also responded to multiple bomb threats at other locations in the state. “We’ve responded and cleared those locations,” spokeswoman Kim Vetter said.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints confirmed the attack in a statement, saying a gunman had opened fire during services and that “multiple individuals were injured.” The church added: “We pray for peace and healing for all involved.”
Local police said around 100 FBI agents are working on the investigation.
President Donald Trump said he had been briefed on the incident and confirmed the FBI would take the lead in the federal investigation. Writing on Truth Social, he described it as “yet another targeted attack on Christians in the United States of America”.
US Attorney General Pam Bondi called it “a horrific shooting and fire” in a post on X, adding: “Such violence at a place of worship is heartbreaking and chilling. Please join me in praying for the victims of this terrible tragedy.”
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer strongly condemned the attack. “Violence anywhere, especially in a place of worship, is unacceptable,” she said, noting that her office was monitoring the situation closely.
Mitt Romney, former US senator for Utah and one of the most prominent Mormon politicians, also expressed his grief. Calling the incident a “tragedy,” he added: “My brothers and sisters and their church are targets of violence. Praying for healing and comforting.”
