Michigan authorities have named the suspect in a shooting that killed at least two people and injured several others as Thomas Jacob Sanford.
Sanford, 40, reportedly opened fire during a service at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc Township, about 50 miles north of Detroit.
As of Sunday evening, seven victims were stable, while one remained in critical condition, police said at a brief news conference.
A spokesperson for the Church indicated the shooter likely had no ties to the congregation. They labeled the incident “a tragic act of violence” that occurred during worship.
“A tragic act of violence occurred today at a chapel of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc, Michigan,” church leaders stated. “During Sunday services, a gunman opened fire, injuring multiple individuals. We ask for cooperation with local authorities as details emerge.”
“The Church is in touch with local law enforcement as the investigation continues,” they added. “We are grateful for emergency responders assisting victims and families.”
“We appreciate the outpouring of prayers and concern from people worldwide. In times of sorrow, we find strength through our faith in Jesus Christ,” church leaders continued. “Places of worship should be sanctuaries of peace. We pray for healing for all involved.”
An eyewitness described chaos erupting when a truck crashed into the church, and the driver began shooting at worshippers. Families fled as bullets flew through the congregation.
A church member told Garrett Tenney that the sacrament—similar to Holy Communion—had just ended when a loud crash shook the wall behind the pulpit. The wall buckled from the impact.
About 150 people were inside, including families with young children. The crash was so loud that some thought a bomb had gone off. Panic spread as worshippers rushed out into the parking lot.
MICHIGAN CHURCH SHOOTING LEAVES MULTIPLE VICTIMS; POLICE SAY SHOOTER ‘DOWN’
The witness and a few others went outside, thinking it was an accident. Instead, they saw a man step from a large pickup truck with a rifle, opening fire on those fleeing.
As bullets whizzed by, the witness ran back inside to find his family. He passed a teenager with blood on his arm who said, “I got shot.”
At the back exit, he saw people cramming into cars to escape.
Authorities in Los Angeles and New York City are increasing police presence near places of worship following the Michigan shooting.
Both the Los Angeles Police Department and New York City Police Department are boosting patrols out of caution, officials said.
Cities often step up patrols near religious sites after an attack occurs.
Authorities reported a second victim has died from injuries sustained during the shooting.
Grand Blanc Township Police Chief William Renye announced the death in a video on Facebook.
Police had previously confirmed at least one person was killed and at least eight others injured.
The shooter died after being pursued by police.
A gunman opened fire inside the Mormon church, killing one and injuring nine others before setting the building ablaze.
The 40-year-old man rammed a pickup truck into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which was filled with hundreds of people.
The man was killed after police engaged him, Chief Renye told reporters.
The shooter was armed with what looked like an assault rifle. Investigators have not revealed a motive for the attack.
Renye said more victims may be found as authorities search the burned structure.
“We believe there were people near that fire who could not escape,” the police chief said. “So we expect to find additional victims once we can search.”
President Donald Trump praised Russell M. Nelson, the President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, who died at 101, as a pioneering heart surgeon and devoted spiritual leader.
Nelson’s death came just a day before the church shooting. It remains unclear if his passing is related to the attack.
In a Truth Social post, Trump offered condolences to Nelson’s wife, Wendy, and his family. He noted Nelson’s sharpness and service until the end, calling him “a physician, literally and spiritually,” whose remarkable life will be missed.
RUSSELL M. NELSON, OLDEST PRESIDENT OF THE LDS CHURCH, DIES AT AGE 101
“Russell M. Nelson, President and Prophet of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, passed away last night at age 101—just after his birthday,” Trump wrote. “Russell was sharp and engaged in service until the end.”
“Our hearts and prayers are with his incredible wife, Wendy, his 10 children, 57 grandchildren, and more than 167 great-grandchildren, as well as Church members across the country,” Trump continued. “Russell had a remarkable life, pioneering heart surgery techniques and serving in ministry for decades. He will be greatly missed!”
Reps. Mike Lawler, R-N.Y., and Maria Salazar, R-Fla., offered prayers after the shooting that left one dead and nine injured. Salazar called for unity to confront what she described as an epidemic of senseless violence.
On X, Lawler urged Americans to keep the LDS community and victims in their thoughts.
MICHIGAN CHURCH SHOOTING LEAVES MULTIPLE VICTIMS; POLICE SAY SHOOTER ‘DOWN’
“My heartfelt prayers are with the families and parish community of the LDS church in Michigan,” he wrote. “Please keep them in your thoughts during this difficult time.”
Salazar condemned the attack, calling for an end to the “epidemic of senseless violence.”
“I am deeply saddened by the tragic shooting at the LDS church in Michigan,” she wrote. “My prayers are with the victims, their families, and the entire community. We must come together to end this violence.”
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., said he was “shocked and dismayed” by the shooting.
“My heartfelt prayers and condolences are with the victims, families, congregants, and community,” he stated.
“The level of violence in America this year shocks the conscience,” Jeffries added. “Our country is spiraling out of control. We need dramatic change.”
