MICHIGAN: At least four people were killed and several others wounded when authorities say a man opened fire at a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc Township, Michigan, and set it ablaze in what a federal official called “an act of targeted violence.”
The shooting took place at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Grand Blanc Township, about 50 miles north of Detroit, at 10.25am Sunday, Grand Blanc police said. The suspected gunman was Thomas Jacob Sanford, 40, who was subsequently killed, local police chief William Renye said.
Officials say seven of the victims are in stable condition while one is critical.
After smashing his vehicle into the church, the gunman opened fire on the hundreds of people, including children, gathered inside for Sunday services.
A fire broke out soon after, which police said Sanford started with an “accelerant” believed to be gasoline. Explosive devices were also found.
Authorities said they shot the gunman, a former U.S. Marine, in the car park and that there was no ongoing threat to the public. A motive was not known and the authorities warned there could be more victims.
