US: Michigan church attack leaves four dead, gunman shot down

According to reports, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc, a town 60 miles (100km) northwest of Detroit, saw a large number of people attending the Sunday event when the attack occurred.

Suspect identified

The suspect behind the attack was identified as 40-year-old Thomas Jacob Sanford.

He was reportedly shot dead by the police.

"We are still actively investigating multiple leads and could not have done this alone," Grand Blanc Township Police Department wrote on Facebook.

Grand Blanc Township Police Chief William Renye told CNN that man used an assault rifle during the attack and was ultimately shot and killed by police.

“We believe we have the guy who did this,” he said.

Investigators are reportedly currently searching the suspect's house.

Reacting to the crime, FBI chief Kash Patel wrote on X: "We are tracking reports of the horrific shooting and fire at an LDS church in Grand Blanc, Michigan. @FBI agents are on the scene to assist local authorities."

"Violence in a place of worship is a cowardly and criminal act. Our prayers are with the victims and their families during this terrible tragedy," he said.

In a statement, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints said a gunman opened fire, leaving multiple individuals injured.

"We ask for cooperation with local authorities as details become available," the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints said in a statement.

Donald Trump reacts on Truth Social

In his Truth Social message, Trump said: "I have been briefed on the horrendous shooting that took place at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, in Grand Blanc, Michigan. The FBI was immediately on scene, and will be leading the Federal Investigation, and providing full support to State and Local Officials. The suspect is dead, but there is still a lot to learn."

He said: "This appears to be yet another targeted attack on Christians in the United States of America. "