At least four killed in shooting at Mormon church in Michigan, as police name suspect

Emergency crews respond to a shooting and fire at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Credit: AP

A gunman opened fire inside a Mormon church in Michigan during Sunday services, killing at least four people and injuring eight others before police shot him, authorities said on Monday.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc Township was also set on fire.

Hundreds of people were inside the church when a 40-year-old former Marine rammed a pickup truck through the front door, then got out of the vehicle and started shooting, Police Chief William Renye told reporters.

Police believe he “deliberately” set the building on fire.

After the suspect left the church, two officers pursued him and “engaged in gunfire”, Mr Renye said.

The man was killed and authorities are continuing to search for other victims.

Mr Renye identified the suspect as Thomas Jacob Sanford, from neighbouring Burton. He did not specify a motive at a news conference on Sunday evening.

Renye said one of the wounded people was in critical condition and seven others were stable.

A vehicle that was rammed into the building is surrounded by smoke as a firefighter works on the scene. Credit: AP

Flames and smoke could be seen pouring from the church for hours before the blaze was put out.

“We do believe we will find some additional victims once we find the area where the fire was,” Mr Renye said.

Investigators are searching the suspect’s home in nearby Burton.

Sanford served as a US Marine from June 2004 to June 2008, working as an automotive mechanic and vehicle recovery operator, according to military records obtained by The Detroit News.

He was deployed to Iraq from August 2007 until March 2008 and had the rank of sergeant.

Authorities did not provide any additional details about the suspect, including whether he was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, widely known as the Mormon church.

US President Donald Trump said he was briefed on the shooting. In a social media post, he applauded the FBI, who local authorities said are sending 100 agents to the area, for responding.

“PRAY for the victims, and their families. THIS EPIDEMIC OF VIOLENCE IN OUR COUNTRY MUST END, IMMEDIATELY!” Trump wrote.

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The church building, circled by a car park and a large lawn, is near residential areas and a Jehovah’s Witness church. It is in Grand Blanc Township, a community of roughly 40,000 people outside Flint.

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer said in a statement that her heart was breaking for the community.

“Violence anywhere especially in a place of worship, is unacceptable,” she said.

Doug Anderson, a spokesperson for Utah-based faith said in a statement: “The church is in communication with local law enforcement as the investigation continues and as we receive updates on the condition of those affected.

“Places of worship are meant to be sanctuaries of peacemaking, prayer and connection. We pray for peace and healing for all involved.”

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said investigators were looking into how much planning went into the attack.

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