A SUNDAY service in Grand Blanc, Michigan, erupted into chaos when an Iraq War veteran crashed his truck into a Mormon church, opened fire, and set it ablaze.
Five people are confirmed dead, at least eight are injured, and authorities fear more victims remain in the charred ruins.
An Iraq War veteran crashed his truck into a Michigan church, opened fire, and set it ablaze[/caption]
Five people are confirmed dead, at least eight injured, with more victims feared in the ruins[/caption]
The suspected gunman, Thomas Jacob “Jake” Sanford, 40, was shot dead by police just eight minutes after the first 911 call came in.
He had served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 2004 to 2008, including a seven-month deployment to Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom.
The rampage has since left a community reeling and investigators scrambling to piece together why a father, Marine veteran, and self-proclaimed conservative Christian would target a house of worship.
HOW THE ATTACK UNFOLDED
Sunday’s 10am service at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was packed with hundreds of worshippers when a deafening crash shattered the peace.
Witnesses first thought it was a car accident.
One man told Fox 2 Detroit: “We at first thought someone had accidentally crashed into the church, so we went out to help him.”
Instead, Sanford climbed out his Chevy Silverado, which carried to large American flags and deer antlers on its bumber, armed with an assault-style rifle.
He fired into the crowd as panic erupted.
Paul Kirby, 38, ran toward the wreck thinking he was helping — until bullets ripped past him.
“He started shooting at me,” Kirby said.
A shard of glass clipped his leg.
He sprinted back inside to find his wife and two sons before they fled through the back and crammed others into their car to escape.
Grand Blanc Township Police Chief William Reyne said Sanford then appeared to pour an accelerant, igniting the blaze that consumed the church.
Who was Thomas Jacob Sanford?
THOMAS Jacob “Jake” Sanford, 40, served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 2004 to 2008, including a seven-month deployment to Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Military records show he rose to sergeant and was awarded the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, the Iraq Campaign Medal, and several other service ribbons.
Friends say Sanford’s time overseas haunted him.
“It’s hard to feel sad for someone who did something so terrible, and I still feel sad,” a family acquaintance told journalist Ty Steele.
“I had heard through family events that he had had PTSD … it wasn’t talked about in depth … so I don’t know the depth of his issues.”
Social media tells a picture of a staunchly conservative household. Photos show Sanford with his wife and young son, smiling beside a “Make Liberals Cry Again” Trump shirt.
Their home sported a Trump sign, and loved ones often posted pro-Trump messages.
Hours before Sanford’s identity became public, his mother shared a fiery Facebook post calling for tighter rules in Congress and celebrating President Donald Trump.
She later wrote an emotional tribute following the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, saying: “When things like this happen, it only emboldens the sons and daughters of God to move quicker, jump higher and speak our light into the darkest places of the world.”
“They were shielding the children who are also present within the church, moving them to safety,” Renye said of congregants who risked their lives as smoke filled the sanctuary.
Officers arrived just 32 seconds after the first 911 call at 10.25am.
Sanford was shot dead in the parking lot by 10.33am after exchanging gunfire with a Department of Natural Resources officer and a township cop.
BOMB FEARS
As firefighters battled the inferno, police found improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in Sanford’s smashed truck.
Bomb squads later swept his nearby Burton home for more devices.
Investigators believe gasoline or another accelerant fuelled the blaze, but haven’t confirmed whether the IEDs were used.
Sanford was shot dead by police eight minutes after the first 911 call[/caption]
The fire, which took over an hour to control, trapped worshippers inside.
Two victims died from gunshot wounds, while two more perished in the fire.
Authorities warn the death toll may rise as they comb the wreckage.
CNN reports as many as seven congregants unaccounted for.
MOTIVE STILL UNKNOWN
Federal agents, including more than 100 FBI investigators, are interviewing witnesses.
Acting Detroit FBI chief Reuben Coleman called the massacre “an act of targeted violence”, but authorities have yet to publicly name a motive.
Detectives are also looking into whether the rampage was timed with the death of longtime LDS president Russell M. Nelson, who died Saturday at age 101, though no link has been confirmed.
Police believe the suspect intentionally started a blaze inside the building, which grew into a massive fire[/caption]
Fire fighters gathered as smoke contines to rise from the fire[/caption]
Michigan State Police Bomb Squad work outside of the residence of the alleged shooting suspect[/caption]
REACTIONS TO THE ATTACK
The shockwaves from the Grand Blanc massacre reached state and national leaders within hours.
President Donald Trump weighed in on Truth Social, calling the slaughter “yet another targeted attack on Christians in the United States of America.”
He added: “PRAY for the victims, and their families. THIS EPIDEMIC OF VIOLENCE IN OUR COUNTRY MUST END, IMMEDIATELY!”
Trump said the FBI was already on the ground and vowed to keep the public informed as the federal probe unfolds.
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said she was receiving constant updates on the investigation and praised the rapid police response.
“My heart is breaking for the Grand Blanc community,” she posted on X.
“Violence anywhere, especially in a place of worship, is unacceptable. I am grateful to the first responders who took action quickly.
“We will continue to monitor this situation and hold the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc close.”
Attorney General Pam Bondi said on X that federal agents from both the FBI and ATF were en route.
She wrote: Such violence at a place of worship is heartbreaking and chilling. Please join me in praying for the victims of this terrible tragedy.”
Meanwhile, FBI Director Kash Patel condemned the assault as “cowardly and criminal,” promising full federal resources to investigate.
“Our prayers are with the victims and their families during this terrible tragedy,” he said.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints released a statement expressing grief and gratitude for the first responders who “assisted victims and families.”
Spokesperson Doug Andersen said: “The Church is in communication with local law enforcement as the investigation continues and as we receive updates on the condition of those affected.”
A family emotionally reunites at the Trillium Theater located across the street from the site of the shooting[/caption]
Dozens of firefighters and police officers rushed to the scene[/caption]
Hundreds were believed to have been in the church at the time[/caption]
