Grand Blanc Township, Michigan – Authorities have confirmed the death toll has risen to five, including the suspected gunman, following a mass shooting and fire at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc Township. The shocking attack unfolded during Sunday morning services, leaving a community devastated and searching for answers.

Police identified the suspected gunman as Thomas Jacob Sanford, 40, of Burton, Michigan. According to investigators, Sanford drove his pickup truck into the front entrance of the church before storming inside with an assault rifle. Congregants and their families were caught completely off guard as gunfire erupted in what should have been a place of peace and worship.

Authorities reported that at least eight other individuals sustained injuries during the assault, many of them requiring urgent medical treatment. Witnesses described scenes of chaos as parents shielded their children and church members rushed for cover amid the sound of gunfire and smoke. Emergency responders arrived swiftly, but the extent of the attack left many overwhelmed by its brutality.

In a disturbing escalation, Sanford allegedly doused parts of the building with gasoline and set it on fire during the shooting. Flames spread quickly, forcing terrified worshippers to flee. Firefighters battled the blaze while law enforcement engaged the gunman. Sanford was ultimately killed in an exchange of gunfire with police officers.

Hundreds of worshippers, including children, were inside the building when the violence unfolded. Survivors described the terrifying ordeal as “unreal” and “nightmarish,” recounting how the congregation’s sacred space was suddenly turned into a battlefield. Many were left shaken, unsure of how they managed to escape alive.

Law enforcement officials have not yet confirmed Sanford’s motive, though investigators are combing through his background, digital records, and potential personal connections to the church. Detectives with the Michigan State Police and federal agencies are collaborating to piece together a clearer picture of what drove him to commit such a horrific act.

Community members gathered outside the church in the hours following the tragedy, many of them in tears. Makeshift memorials of candles, flowers, and handwritten notes began to form as residents mourned the lives lost. Local leaders have condemned the violence, urging unity and compassion in the wake of senseless bloodshed.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints released a statement expressing profound grief, extending condolences to the victims’ families, and offering prayers for those injured. Church leaders emphasized that the congregation will remain resilient despite the devastation, vowing that faith and fellowship will not be broken by acts of violence.

Authorities praised the swift response of police, firefighters, and paramedics whose actions likely prevented an even greater tragedy. They also urged the public to remain patient as investigators continue their work, promising full transparency once more details emerge. The crime scene remains sealed off as forensic teams gather evidence.

As Grand Blanc Township mourns, the incident has reignited broader concerns about mass shootings and the safety of houses of worship across the nation. For many, the tragedy underscores the urgent need for vigilance, preparedness, and community solidarity in the face of growing threats to public safety.