UPDATE:
GRAND BLANC TOWNSHIP, Michigan (KIFI) — The death toll from the attack on a Michigan branch of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has risen to four, police confirmed Sunday evening.
During a press conference, Police Chief William Renye announced that investigators have discovered two additional bodies in the burned-out remains of the church building in Grand Blanc Township, bringing the confirmed number of fatalities (not including the shooter) to four.
Police are working to identify each victim “as quickly and accurately as possible.” Due to the extensive damage, the church building is considered a total loss, and the search for more victims is ongoing. Officials currently do not have a confirmed number of people unaccounted for but believe they may find additional victims as they continue to search the rubble.
The FBI has taken the lead in the investigation, treating the incident as an act of targeted violence.
“This act of violence has no place in our state or in our country,” said Reuben Coleman, the Acting Special Agent in Charge of FBI Detroit Field Office. “The FBI is committed to continue finding out the facts, circumstances and motives behind this tragedy.”
The deadly attack began when police say the gunman rammed a vehicle into the church, opened fire on the congregation, and then set the building ablaze during a Sunday service.
The 40-year-old gunman, identified as Thomas Jacob Sanford of Burton, Michigan, was killed by responding police officers.
Chief Renye took a moment to acknowledge the heroism of both first responders and the people inside the church at the time of the shooting.
“They were shielding the children who were also present within the church, moving them to safety,” Chief Renye said of the worshippers. “Just hundreds of people practicing their faith.”
For more details and updates on the investigation into the shooting, click HERE.
ORIGINAL:
GRAND BLANC TOWNSHIP, Michigan (KIFI) — Authorities are preparing to hold a critical media briefing at 5 p.m. ET this afternoon, where Grand Blanc Township Police Chief William Renye is expected to deliver the latest details on the deadly attack at a branch of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Local News 8 will be livestreaming the press conference above.
The attack, which occurred during a Sunday service, has so far resulted in the deaths of at least two people and left eight others wounded after a gunman rammed a vehicle into the church, opened fire, and set the building ablaze. The 40-year-old gunman was killed by responding police officers. Police believe they may find additional victims when it is safe to enter the building.
Officers exchanged fire with the gunman and killed him, according to police. He has been identified as a 40-year-old Michigan man. For more details and updates on the investigation into the shooting, click HERE.
