A deadly attack at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc, Michigan, left four dead and eight injured Sunday, according to the BBC.
According to police, at approximately 10:30 a.m., 40-year-old Thomas Jacob Sanford from Burton drove his car into the church during the worship service, then immediately began shooting with a rifle. Shortly after, he set the building on fire with gasoline. Police shot and killed him outside the church just a few minutes later.
Authorities described the attack as targeted violence, as hundreds were inside the church throughout the incident. However, officials have not yet determined a motive for the attack. To collect necessary information, authorities are searching Sanford’s home and digital records for motives.
Grand Blanc Township Police Chief William Renye reported that two victims died from gunshot wounds during the shooting and two others were later found dead as investigators continued to search the fire-damaged building. Some churchgoers remain unaccounted for.
Commenting on the tragic events, Renye praised parishioners for protecting children amid the chaos.
The FBI has stepped in as the lead investigative agency, deploying agents, bomb technicians and crisis teams to the scene. Meanwhile, Michigan State Police handled multiple bomb threats elsewhere, all of which were found to be safe.
