Investigators are examining the reasons behind a former Marine’s decision to drive a pickup truck into a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Michigan, where he proceeded to open fire during a crowded service, resulting in the deaths of at least four individuals and causing a fire to engulf the building.
Search and rescue teams continued their efforts to locate victims within the charred remains on Monday, with concerns raised about some individuals still unaccounted for following the Sunday morning incident that left eight others injured in Grand Blanc Township, approximately 96 kilometers north of Detroit.
The FBI has classified the assault as an “act of targeted violence,” marking the second attack on an American church in just over a month. Thomas Jacob Sanford, a 40-year-old resident of the neighboring town of Burton, was identified as the assailant.
Authorities utilized a robot to search Sanford’s residence, although details about any findings or his potential connection to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, commonly known as the Mormon church, were not disclosed.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that investigators are delving into the level of planning involved in the attack and are searching for clues to determine the motive behind the tragic incident.
Rescue teams donned in white coveralls and hard hats combed through the church’s remnants on Monday morning, with a silver pickup truck displaying two American flags still lodged into the front wall, adjacent to a welcoming sign.
The attacker purportedly used gas to ignite the fire and possessed explosive devices, although it remains unclear if they were deployed, according to James Dier from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
Law enforcement swiftly responded to a 911 call, arriving at the church within a minute, leading to a confrontation where the suspect was fatally shot during an exchange of gunfire with two officers.
The destructive blaze consumed a significant portion of the church, leaving only its outer walls and a few side rooms intact, while two bodies were recovered from the debris. The search for additional victims continues, as one wounded individual remains in critical condition, while the others are reported to be in stable condition.
Sanford, a former Marine who served for four years during the early stages of the war on terror, deployed to Iraq for seven months and was awarded a Good Conduct Medal for his service.
The tragic shooting adds to a series of attacks on U.S. places of worship over the past two decades, underscoring a concerning trend of violence in such settings. President Donald Trump called for prayers for the victims and their families, emphasizing the urgent need to end the cycle of violence in the country.
The shooting occurred shortly after the passing of Russell M. Nelson, the oldest president of the Utah-based faith, highlighting the somber juxtaposition of events. The community remains in shock and disbelief, with local schools closed to allow families time to process and grieve the tragic incident.
