Death toll rises to five in Mormon church shooting in Michigan, including the shooter
Authorities in other cities such as New York and Los Angeles reported that they would reinforce security in places of worship, to prevent possible attacks
Police in Grand Blanc, Michigan, reported that the death toll has risen to four in a shooting that occurred this Sunday at a Mormon church that also left eight wounded. They identified the perpetrator as Thomas Jacob Sanford, who died in a confrontation with two officers.
Two victims were found in the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints where “hundreds of people” were attending the service at the time of the shooting, according to police. In total, with the death of the shooter, who was also from Michigan, the death toll at the church rises to five, Grand Blanc Police Chief William Renye said at a news conference.
According to Renye, two of the four had gunshot wounds, NBC reported.
In addition, State Police said they have been responding to additional bomb threats at different locations in the community and that some occurred at churches and were dismissed.
It was also reported that the FBI is leading the investigation into the shooting “as an act of targeted violence.”
Authorities said the man, who used an assault rifle, served in the Navy from June 2004 to June 2008, where he was a mechanic and rose to the rank of sergeant.
It has also been reported that during his military career, Sanford, who was from nearby Burton, received several awards, including the Navy Good Conduct Medal, the Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Medal, and National Defense Service Medal, NBC reported.
Sanford crashed his car into the church, opening fire and setting it on fire, an incident that occurred around 10:25 am, and by 10:33 am the shooter had been neutralized.
It was also reported that about three improvised explosive devices were found at the scene of the shooting.
Doug Anderson, a spokesperson for the church, confirmed that the shooting occurred during the congregation's Sunday service, calling it a “tragic act of violence.”
“Places of worship should be sanctuaries of peace, prayer, and connection. We pray for peace and healing for all involved,” he added.
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