Investigators are delving into the motives behind a former Marine’s actions that led him to drive a pickup truck into a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Michigan. During a packed service, the individual opened fire, resulting in the deaths of at least four people and causing a fire to engulf the building.
Rescue teams continued sifting through the burnt remains on Monday, as officials expressed concerns about some individuals still unaccounted for after the Sunday morning incident in Grand Blanc Township, located approximately 96 kilometers north of Detroit. The FBI categorized the assault, the second on a U.S. church within a month, as a “targeted violence” act.
The perpetrator, identified as Thomas Jacob Sanford, a 40-year-old resident of a nearby town, was the subject of investigations that included searching his residence with a robot. Authorities refrained from disclosing further details about Sanford, such as potential links to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, commonly known as the Mormon church.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt mentioned that investigators were analyzing the level of planning involved in the attack and any possible evidence pointing to the motive behind it.
The attacker seemingly initiated the fire using gasoline and had explosive devices, although it remains uncertain whether these were utilized. Police Chief William Renye confirmed that officers swiftly responded to the church following a 911 call, engaging in a confrontation with the suspect that led to his demise.
The incident, which left two bodies recovered from the wreckage and several individuals injured, occurred just a day after the passing of Russell M. Nelson, the oldest president of the Utah-based faith. President Donald Trump called for prayers for the affected individuals and emphasized the need to curb the prevailing violence in the country.
The aftermath of the shooting sparked reactions across the region, with community members expressing shock and grief. Schools in Grand Blanc were closed on Monday to facilitate the community’s mourning process, acknowledging the tragic event as reprehensible. Vigils and prayer services were held to honor the victims and seek solace in these challenging times.