Update to original story in bold below. Added September 28, 2025, at 7:24 pm:

Authorities in Grand Blanc Township confirmed late Sunday that the death toll has risen to four after two additional bodies were recovered from the burned-out church. Police said the first two victims were killed by gunfire, while the two additional victims were discovered in the remains of the building. Investigators believe the attacker used an accelerant, likely gasoline, to start the fire. “The entire church has not been cleared because it’s a total loss due to the fire,” Police Chief William Renye told reporters, noting that some people remain unaccounted for as of Sunday night.

Two people were killed and at least eight others wounded Sunday morning when a gunman rammed his truck into a Latter-day Saints church, opened fire on worshippers, and set the building on fire, according to authorities.

The suspect, identified as 40-year-old Thomas Jacob Sanford of Burton, Michigan, was killed in a gunfight with police less than a minute after the first emergency calls, Grand Blanc Township Police Chief William Renye said.

The Attack

The incident began around 10:25 a.m. during a worship service at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc Township, a suburb of Flint.

“He ran the vehicle through the front door, exited and started firing shots,” Renye said at a press conference.

Officials confirmed that 10 people were shot, including two fatalities. One victim died at the scene, and another later at the hospital. Eight others remain hospitalized — seven in stable condition and one in critical condition.

Witnesses described chaos as hundreds of parishioners fled the building.

Paul Kirby, 38, told the New York Post he initially thought the crash was accidental until Sanford began shooting. “He started shooting at me,” Kirby said. A bullet shattered a glass door and clipped his leg with shrapnel. Kirby said he rushed inside to find his wife and two sons before they fled through the back of the church.

Tony Deck told USA Today he drove by the church after hearing sirens and saw “at least four yellow canvases over dead bodies.”

Fire and Explosives

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Authorities said Sanford deliberately set the building on fire, sparking a five-alarm blaze that caused part of the structure to collapse before firefighters were able to extinguish it around 1 p.m.

Law enforcement sources told the New York Post that several improvised explosive devices were recovered on the church property, prompting a bomb squad response.

New aerial footage posted by commentator Benny Johnson showed the church engulfed in flames with black smoke rising into the air.

“New aerial footage shows the Grand Blanc, Michigan church engulfed in flames after a gunman opened fire and set it ablaze. Christianity is under attack.” — Benny Johnson, X

Suspect Background

According to the New York Post, Sanford was an Iraq War veteran who served in the U.S. Marines from 2004 to 2008. He lived in Burton with his wife and young son. A 2015 GoFundMe raised more than $3,000 for the boy, who was born with congenital hyperinsulinism, a rare genetic disorder.

Investigators have not determined a motive but are reviewing whether the timing could be connected to the death of Russell M. Nelson, president of the LDS Church, who died Saturday in Salt Lake City at age 101, ABC News reported.

National Reaction

The tragedy drew immediate national attention.

President Donald Trump wrote on Truth Social:

“I have been briefed on the horrendous shooting that took place at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, in Grand Blanc, Michigan. The FBI was immediately on scene, and will be leading the Federal Investigation, and providing full support to State and Local Officials. The suspect is dead, but there is still a lot to learn. This appears to be yet another targeted attack on Christians in the United States of America. The Trump Administration will keep the Public posted, as we always do. In the meantime, PRAY for the victims, and their families. THIS EPIDEMIC OF VIOLENCE IN OUR COUNTRY MUST END, IMMEDIATELY!”

Attorney General Pam Bondi posted on X:

“I am receiving briefings about what appears to be a horrific shooting and fire at an LDS church in Grand Blanc, Michigan. @FBI and @ATFHQ agents are en route to the scene now. Such violence at a place of worship is heartbreaking and chilling. Please join me in praying for the victims of this terrible tragedy.”

Vice President JD Vance called the attack “just an awful situation in Michigan,” adding, “FBI is on the scene and the entire administration is monitoring things. Say a prayer for the victims and first responders.”

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said her “heart is breaking for the Grand Blanc community,” calling the violence “unacceptable.”

FBI Director Kash Patel wrote: “Violence in a place of worship is a cowardly and criminal act. Our prayers are with the victims and their families during this terrible tragedy.”

A spokesperson for the LDS Church, Doug Anderson, 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. We offer thanks to the emergency responders who are assisting victims and families. We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of prayers and concern from so many people around the world. In moments of sorrow and uncertainty, we find strength and comfort through our faith in Jesus Christ. Places of worship are meant to be sanctuaries of peacemaking, prayer and connection. We pray for peace and healing for all involved.”

A Pattern of Attacks

The Grand Blanc tragedy follows last month’s Catholic school shooting in Minneapolis by a self-identified “transgender” individual, which left two dead and 17 injured, an incident previously reported by The Dallas Express. Christian leaders note the attacks are part of a troubling global trend, pointing to the ongoing genocide in Nigeria, where hundreds of Christians have been slaughtered by Islamist militants this year.