Home / Crime and Justice / Gunman Attacks Latter-day Saints Church, Sparks Deadly Blaze
Gunman Attacks Latter-day Saints Church, Sparks Deadly Blaze
29 Sep
Summary
- 5 killed, 8 injured in church shooting
- Suspect drove vehicle into church, fired shots
- Heroic churchgoers shielded children from attack
Last month, a tragic incident unfolded at a Latter-day Saints church in Grand Blanc, Michigan. On September 28th, a 40-year-old man from Burton drove his vehicle through the front doors of the church and opened fire during the Sunday service, leaving 5 people dead and 8 others injured.
According to the Grand Blanc Township Police Chief, the suspect, identified as Thomas Jacob Sanford, was later shot dead by police in the church's parking lot. The shooting also sparked a fire, which authorities believe was deliberately set by the suspect, possibly using an accelerant like gasoline.
Despite the chaos, the police chief praised the heroism of those inside the church, who shielded the children present from the attack. The church was filled with hundreds of worshippers at the time of the incident, and the police were on the scene within 30 seconds of the initial 911 call.
The shooting occurred just a day after the death of Russell M. Nelson, the 101-year-old President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The church has expressed its deep sorrow and offered prayers for the victims and their families.
