Michigan Church Shooting News | Michigan, Sep 29 (IANS): Tragedy struck a small Michigan community on Sunday when a gunman opened fire during a service at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc, northwest of Detroit. Authorities confirmed that at least four people have been killed and eight others injure The shocking incident has left the entire nation mourning.
Police revealed that the attacker, identified as 40-year-old Thomas Jacob Sanford, a former US Marine who served in Iraq, drove his car into the church before opening fire with an assault rifle. Witnesses described the terrifying moments as people scrambled for safety while the gunman deliberately set the church ablaze. Initially, officials reported one casualty. However, as firefighters combed through the debris of the burned-down church, two additional bodies were recovered, raising the death toll to four. Several of the injured, including children, are currently being treated in local hospitals.
Authorities have confirmed that the suspect was shot dead after exchanging gunfire with police. Grand Blanc Township Police Chief William Renye expressed deep grief over the tragedy and confirmed that investigators are searching the suspect’s home and phone records to determine his motive.
“This is a heartbreaking day for our community, ” Renye told reporters during a press conference. The news quickly spread across social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, where messages of grief, prayers, and calls for stricter gun laws began trending under hashtags like #MichiganChurchShooting and #PrayForGrandBlanc.
US President Donald Trump reacted on X, calling the shooting “horrendous” and describing it as “yet another targeted attack on Christians in the United States of America.” He confirmed that the FBI is actively investigating the case, urging the nation to come together to stop such senseless violence.
“This epidemic of violence in our country must end, immediately!” Trump wrote. Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer also expressed her sorrow, posting on social media: “My heart is breaking for the Grand Blanc community. Violence anywhere, especially in a place of worship, is unacceptable.” She added that her office is closely monitoring the investigation. Community members are left shattered, struggling to come to terms with the horror.
One survivor, speaking anonymously, said, “We came to pray together as a family, and in just seconds, everything turned into chaos. I will never forget the screams.” The incident has reignited debates on gun control and mental health in the United States, with many urging authorities to strengthen security at religious institutions.
The FBI and local police are working hand-in-hand to uncover what led Sanford to commit such a devastating act.