The death toll from the shooting at a Mormon church in Michigan last Sunday rose to four, as confirmed by the Grand Blanc Police Department.
The attacker, identified as Thomas Jacob Sanford, also died in a confrontation with two law enforcement officers, bringing the total number of deaths to four.
The shooting took place at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the town of Grand Blanc. Police stated that at the time of the attack, “hundreds of people” were attending the religious service. Two of the victims were found inside the building.
How did the deadly attack unfold?
Grand Blanc Police Chief William Renye stated during a press conference that two of the four deceased had gunshot wounds.
The attacker, Sanford, who was from the nearby town of Burton, Michigan, crashed his vehicle into the church, opened fire, and subsequently started a fire. The incident began at approximately 10:25 a.m. local time, and the shooter was neutralized eight minutes later, at exactly 10:33 a.m. Nearly three improvised devices were also found at the scene.
Details about the perpetrator and the investigation
Meanwhile, the FBI is leading the investigation and classified the shooting as an “act of targeted violence.” Authorities specified that Sanford, who used an assault rifle, served in the Navy from June 2004 to June 2008, reaching the rank of sergeant as a mechanic.
During his military career, he received several decorations, including the Navy Good Conduct Medal, the Iraq Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal, information also highlighted by NBC.
Additional threats following the shooting
State police responded to several additional bomb threats in the community, some targeting churches, which were dismissed following the tragic event. Meanwhile, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi confirmed the deployment of FBI agents to the scene.
“Such violence in a place of worship is heartbreaking and chilling. Please join me in praying for the victims of this terrible tragedy,” the attorney general stated.
For his part, President Donald Trump also commented on the attack, stating he was monitoring the situation.
“This appears to be another attack targeting Christians in the United States of America. The Trump Administration will keep the public informed, as we always do. Meanwhile, PRAY for the victims and their families. THIS EPIDEMIC OF VIOLENCE IN OUR COUNTRY MUST END, IMMEDIATELY!,” Trump said.
Image: DiarioNY
