At Least Four Dead in Grand Blanc Church Attack

A gunman attacked the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc Township, Michigan on Sept. 28, ramming a pickup through the front doors, opening fire on worshippers and setting the building ablaze. Authorities identified the suspect as 40-year-old Thomas Jacob Sanford of Burton, a U.S. Marine veteran who served from 2004–2008; responding officers killed him at the scene. Police say at least four congregants were killed and eight others were hospitalized as investigators continued to search the burned wreckage for additional victims and possible devices. Officers reported arriving within about 30 seconds of the 10:25 a.m. call and engaging the shooter about seven minutes later, and fire crews eventually extinguished a blaze that severely damaged the building. The FBI has taken over the federal investigation, search warrants were executed at the suspect’s home, and officials said they are still working to determine motive and whether more victims remain unaccounted for.