In a horrifying Sunday morning attack, a pickup truck adorned with two large American flags was used to ram into a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc Township, Michigan—just moments before the driver left the vehicle and began firing on congregants.
The assailant, later identified as 40-year-old Thomas Jacob Sanford, a former U.S. Marine, then set the church ablaze. Emergency responders say at least four people were killed and eight others wounded, including at least one in critical condition.
Officers confronted and shot Sanford at the scene, killing him within minutes of the opening shots. The FBI has since taken over the investigation, treating the incident as an act of targeted violence. Authorities are also exploring whether the fire was intentionally started and if more victims remain in the charred building.
At the time of the attack, dozens of worshipers were inside the church. Officials emphasize that motive remains unknown and investigators are combing through Sanford’s background for clues.