Local authorities swiftly responded to a mass shooting at a Michigan Latter-day Saints church on Sunday morning, arriving within a mere 30 seconds and effectively neutralizing the assailant shortly thereafter, as reported by officials.
The Grand Blanc Township police received reports of the shooting at approximately 10:25 a.m. while the church service was actively underway, according to police statements during the crisis.
Police Chief William Renye stated in a press briefing that one officer and a staff member from the nearby Department of Natural Resources were on the scene in about 32 seconds.
The shooter, identified as Thomas Sanford, a 40-year-old veteran of the Iraq War, was “neutralized” in the church parking lot by 10:33 a.m., said Renye.
Tragically, four individuals were confirmed dead, with eight others sustaining injuries during the attack.
Among the injured, one victim remains in critical condition.
As the violence unfolded, flames engulfed the entire church. Authorities discovered multiple improvised explosive devices at the scene, which are currently undergoing examination by the bomb squad, as stated by sources to The Post.
Hundreds of congregants were present in worship when Sanford drove his truck, adorned with multiple American flags, into the building and began firing with an assault rifle.
In the ensuing panic, parishioners rushed to aid the driver, mistakenly thinking a vehicle had accidentally crashed into the church.
Reports indicate that several children suffered injuries, including a young girl who was shot in the back.
Local residents who live near the church described witnessing “at least four yellow canvases covering deceased individuals” shortly after the shooting took place.
Investigators are examining whether Sanford had links to the recent passing of the LDS church’s longtime national president, Russell M. Nelson, who died on Saturday at the age of 101.
Officials are expected to provide further updates at 8 p.m. EST.
This is a developing story. Please check back for further updates.
