A man identified as Thomas Jacob Sanford is accused of gunning down worshippers at a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints chapel in Michigan and then setting the building on fire. The incident, which occurred during a Sunday service in Grand Blanc, resulted in the deaths of at least two individuals and left several others injured before Sanford was shot by police.

Sanford, who is said to be a former US Marine with service in Iraq from 2004 to 2008, is described as a family man with a wife and young son according to social media profiles linked to him. The chaotic scene unfolded as Sanford rammed a pickup truck into the church, opened fire, and subsequently ignited the blaze intentionally.

Following the violent episode, law enforcement officers engaged Sanford in a gunfire exchange outside the church, resulting in his death. The building was engulfed in flames and smoke for hours before being extinguished, with responders searching through the aftermath for potential additional victims.

Authorities initially reported nine injuries, but later confirmed an additional fatality from a gunshot wound. The motive behind Sanford’s actions remains unknown, prompting investigators to search his residence for further clues. The incident adds to a series of attacks on places of worship in the US over the past two decades, with President Donald Trump urging an end to the violence.

The tragic event occurred in Grand Blanc Township, a community near Flint, where a strong faith community has been established. Residents, like Timothy Jones, expressed shock and concern over the shooting, highlighting the need for solidarity and support during such distressing times.