Deadly Attack at Michigan Church
At least five people, including the gunman, died and eight others were injured in a
mass shooting at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc Township, Michigan.
Authorities reported the attack also involved a large fire.
The Gunman
Police identified the shooter as Thomas Jacob Sanford, 40, a former Marine who served in Iraq from 2004 to 2008.
Sky News reported Sanford “drove a vehicle bearing two US
national flags through the front doors of the church before opening fire with an assault rifle.”
Fire and Response
Sanford then “deliberately started a fire using gasoline,” said James Deir, ATF Special Agent.
The blaze has been extinguished, and authorities are searching the ruins for additional victims.
Law enforcement responded within 30 seconds of the first 911 call, said Chief William Renye, noting there were “multiple victims.”
Personal Life
Sanford was a husband and father to a young boy with congenital hyperinsulinism. A GoFundMe for the family had raised $3,000.