Four dead, others wounded in attack on Mormon house of worship

Authorities said a man drove his vehicle through the front doors of a Latter-day Saints meeting place in Grand Blanc, Mich., and opened fire Sunday morning, killing at least two people and injuring eight others. The suspect also started a fire at the building that trapped a number of attendees, police said. The attack took place shortly before 10:30 a.m. local time, according to Grand Blanc Township Police Chief William Renye. A religious service with hundreds in attendance was taking place at the time of the attack, Renye said. Local firefighters extinguished the blaze Sunday afternoon, and authorities uncovered two other deceased victims by Sunday night, bringing the death toll to four.

What do we know about the suspect? Renye identified the suspect as a 40-year-old male. Authorities later named him as Thomas James Sanford. Two law enforcement officers—a Grand Blanc police officer and a Department of Natural Resources officer—arrived on the scene and engaged the suspect in a firefight, killing him, Renye said. Authorities were unsure of the man’s motive, but Renye said investigators planned to search his residence as well as his electronic devices. Investigators believe that he acted alone and that there is no further threat to the public, Renye said.

What else are officials saying? Grand Blanc Township Supervisor Scott Bennett said the community was heartbroken over the violence. In a statement on Truth Social, President Donald Trump called the shooting horrendous and said the FBI was already on the scene and would be leading the investigation. He called for prayer for the victims and said violence in the country must end.