Grand Blanc Township, Michigan, 29 September (H.S.): At least four people were killed and several others injured after a gunman opened fire and set a Mormon church ablaze in Grand Blanc Township, Michigan, in what the FBI has described as a targeted act of violence.
Authorities identified the suspect as 40-year-old Marine Corps veteran Thomas Jacob Sanford, who was killed after exchanging gunfire with police in the church car park just eight minutes after the first emergency call. Officials confirmed that the fire, believed to have been started with gasoline as an accelerant, caused extensive damage to the building, complicating recovery efforts. Some individuals remain unaccounted for.
Police said two victims died from gunshot wounds, while eight others were injured—seven remain in stable condition and one is in critical condition. Witnesses reported acts of “extreme courage” as churchgoers sheltered children and moved them to safety during the attack.
The incident has prompted heightened security measures at religious institutions in major U.S. cities. New York Police and Los Angeles officials both announced increased patrols at places of worship.US President Donald Trump condemned the attack as “horrendous” and “yet another targeted attack on Christians,” while Vice-President JD Vance called the situation “awful” and urged prayers for victims and first responders. Former presidential candidate Mitt Romney, a prominent Mormon, also called for national solidarity.
The FBI has deployed crisis response teams, victim specialists, and bomb technicians to assist in the investigation. Authorities said suspected explosive devices were recovered at the scene, though it remains unclear if they were used.
Chief of Police William Renye confirmed that recovery operations are ongoing, with extensive damage delaying clearance of the church site. “The community is hurting right now,” he told reporters, adding that local support services have been activated for survivors and grieving families.
Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
