FBI Leads Probe as Death Toll Rises in Michigan Mormon Church Attack

Overview

• Police say the attacker rammed a vehicle into the Grand Blanc church, opened fire with an assault-style rifle and ignited a blaze during Sunday services packed with hundreds of worshippers.
• Officers engaged the suspect within minutes and killed him at the scene; authorities report multiple injuries and at least four victims found inside as searches continue.
• Reuters-cited reporting places the overall death toll at five including the gunman, while local officials caution that the number could still rise as the site is cleared.
• The FBI is leading the investigation with ATF support after evidence of gasoline as an accelerant and recovery of improvised explosive devices at the church.
• The gunman was identified as Thomas Jacob Sanford, 40, of Burton, an ex-U.S. Marine whose residence and electronics are being searched, as President Donald Trump condemned the attack and officials urged vigilance following additional bomb threats.