BREAKING UPDATE: Death toll in Michigan church shooting rises to 4 victims, suspect 'hated Mormons': FBI

A gunman who rammed his truck into a Michigan church, opened fire on worshippers, and set the building on fire likely targeted members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints because he hated them, according to White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt citing the FBI. Four people were killed and eight others wounded before police shot the suspect dead.

The violence happened Sunday morning at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc, about 60 miles northwest of Detroit. Authorities identified the attacker as 40-year-old Thomas Jacob Sanford of Burton, Michigan, a Marine Corps veteran who had served in Iraq. Sanford was also killed after exchanging gunfire with authorities. 

Grand Blanc Township Police Chief William Renye said the assault began around 10:25 am when Sanford drove his vehicle into the church during services attended by hundreds. “The attacker then opened fire with an assault-style rifle, firing several rounds at individuals within the church,” Renye said. Officers confronted Sanford minutes later, shooting and killing him in the parking lot at 10:33 am.

Two victims died from gunshot wounds, while two others were later found inside the burned structure. Police said Sanford used gasoline or another accelerant to ignite the fire. Some individuals were initially unaccounted for as investigators worked to clear the damaged building.

Leavitt told Fox & Friends that the FBI was leading the case and believes Sanford was motivated by hatred toward Latter-day Saints. “From what I understand based on my conversations with the FBI director, all they know right now is this was an individual who hated people of the Mormon faith,” she said.

The press secretary added that federal agents are examining Sanford’s property and digital records. “They are trying to understand more about this, how premeditated it was, how much planning went into it, whether he left a note,” she explained.

Leavitt said investigators will be treating any signs of future threats with urgency. “The FBI is going to treat those as public-safety emergencies and investigate them to try to prevent such violence from taking place in our country,” she said, adding that the administration is “fully committed to not only investigating these crimes but prosecuting them to the fullest extent of the law.”

She also praised the response of first responders: “Local police officers were on the ground of this scene within minutes and neutralized this shooter, no doubt saving lives, and they should be commended. Our police officers are heroes and this president will always respect them and support them.”

Michigan State Police reported additional bomb threats at other locations Sunday, though all were cleared. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints confirmed “multiple individuals were injured” and asked for “peace and healing for all involved.”

President Donald Trump described the incident as “yet another targeted attack on Christians in the United States of America.” Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer called the violence “unacceptable.” Former Utah Senator Mitt Romney said it was a “tragedy,” adding: “My brothers and sisters and their church are targets of violence. Praying for healing and comforting.”