Post by : Rameen Ariff

Grand Blanc Township, Michigan: A gunman opened fire inside a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc Township on Sunday morning, killing at least four people and injuring eight others before being shot dead by police. The attacker also set fire to the church building.

Police said hundreds of people were inside the chapel when the incident occurred. The suspect, driving a four-door pickup with two American flags in the bed, rammed the vehicle into the church entrance before opening fire. Authorities believe the fire was set deliberately.

Officers responded to the 911 call within 30 seconds and engaged the shooter, killing him approximately eight minutes later. The suspect was identified as 40-year-old Thomas Jacob Sanford from nearby Burton. Police have not disclosed a possible motive.

Emergency crews evacuated and treated the injured, with one person reported in critical condition and seven others stable. Search operations in the church debris were ongoing, and more victims could be discovered. Investigators are also searching Sanford’s residence.

The shooting is the latest in a series of attacks on places of worship in the U.S., following previous incidents, including the August shooting at the Church of the Annunciation in Minneapolis that killed two children.

President Donald Trump commented on social media, praising the FBI for their quick response and calling for an end to violence in the country. The FBI is sending 100 agents to assist local authorities in Grand Blanc Township, a community of roughly 40,000 near Flint.

Local residents described the shock and fear following the attack. Many congregants went into lockdown as news of the shooting spread, with families checking on loved ones. Community leaders, including Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Grand Blanc Mayor John Creasey, expressed condolences and called the violence “unacceptable.”

The church spokesperson emphasized ongoing communication with law enforcement and prayed for healing for all affected. The tragedy comes a day after the death of Russell M. Nelson, the longtime president of the Utah-based faith, who passed away at 101.

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