At Least Four Dead After Gunman Crashes Vehicle, Opens Fire at Michigan Church

A community in Michigan is reeling after a horrific attack at a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc, just outside Flint. Authorities say a 40-year-old man drove his pickup truck into the church Sunday morning, set it on fire, and then opened fire on congregants before being killed in a shootout with police.

At least four people are confirmed dead, eight others were wounded, and several remain unaccounted for as investigators continue to search through the rubble. Witnesses described chaos and heartbreak as members of the congregation shielded children from the violence. One woman, who teaches at the church, said she lost both friends and young students in the tragedy.

The fire consumed the building, leaving it a total loss. Search crews are combing through what remains, while the FBI has now taken over the case. Officials are investigating it as an act of targeted violence.

The suspect has been identified as 40-year-old Thomas Sanford, an outdoorsman and Iraq War veteran. Federal agents have executed search warrants at his home, reviewing devices and his digital footprint to piece together what may have led to the attack.

As Grand Blanc mourns, investigators are expected to return to the church site to continue the painstaking search for any additional victims. The community says while the pain is immense, the bravery shown inside the church reflects their faith and resilience.

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