2 people dead and 8 wounded in a shooting and fire at a Michigan church, police say

A shooting at a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints chapel in Grand Blanc Township, Michigan, left two dead and eight injured during a Sunday service. The assailant, identified as 40-year-old Thomas Jacob Sanford, crashed a pickup truck into the church before opening fire and later setting the building ablaze. Police Chief William Renye stated that officers pursued Sanford and shot him after he exited the church. One victim remains in critical condition, while the others are stable. The community is reeling from the violence, with Mayor John Creasey emphasizing the pain shared by neighboring areas.

Investigators are currently examining Sanford's residence for clues about his background and possible motives. This incident adds to the troubling trend of violence at places of worship in the U. S. over the past two decades. Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer condemned the violence, asserting that it is unacceptable in any community, especially in a place of worship.