A shooting spree at a church in Michigan has left two people dead and eight injured. On Sunday, during a prayer service, a gunman entered a Mormon church in Michigan and opened fire indiscriminately. The assailant was also killed in police gunfire. US President Donald Trump has posted a statement condemning the incident. Vice President JD Vance has also strongly denounced the attack.
Police have identified the attacker as a 40-year-old resident of Burton, Michigan, named Thomas Jacob Sanford. Grand Blanc Township Police Chief William Renye told a press conference that on Sunday morning, during the prayer service, the attacker, Thomas Jacob, rammed his vehicle into the church's front door to gain entry. He then exited the vehicle and began shooting. The impact of the car ignited a fire at the church entrance.
US President Donald Trump has vehemently condemned this incident. On his Truth Social platform, he characterized the event as an attack on the nation's Christians. Trump wrote, "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." He was specifically angry and wrote, “THIS EPIDEMIC OF VIOLENCE IN OUR COUNTRY MUST END, IMMEDIATELY!”
US Attorney General Pam Bondi said in a post on X that she had received briefings on "what appears to be a horrific shooting and fire" at the church."Such violence at a place of worship is heartbreaking and chilling. Please join me in praying for the victims of this tragedy." Bondi said.
Initially, authorities reported one fatality. Police later confirmed that two people died from gunshot wounds. Additionally, eight people were injured, with one in critical condition. Police stated that the assailant was killed by police gunfire within about seven minutes of their arrival at the scene. Many people were present inside the church during the attack. William Renye further informed that a thorough search of the church would commence once the fire was fully extinguished. However, the motive for the attack remains unclear, according to the police. Investigators have begun searching the attacker's residence in Burton.
Meanwhile, Vice President JD Vance has also strongly denounced the incident, describing it as a 'horrific attack'.
