FBI searching for motive in deadly Michigan church shooting
Caroline MolloyFederal investigators said Sept. 29 they are still searching for a motive in the shooting at a meetinghouse of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc, Michigan, that left four people dead and at least eight others injured Sept. 28
Reuben Coleman, acting special agent in charge of the FBI’s Detroit field office, said at a midday press conference that agents have already interviewed more than 100 victims and witnesses, and the investigation of the “act of targeted violence” continues. He said teams are “exhausting leads” provided by the public.
As CatholicVote reported, authorities said the suspect, 40-year-old Thomas Jacob Sanford of Burton, drove his vehicle into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints during Sunday services and opened fire on the congregation. Police fatally shot him at the scene. Investigators believe Sanford also set the building on fire.
During the press conference, Grand Blanc Township Police Chief Bill Renye confirmed that everyone has now been accounted for inside the burned church, where police initially feared more victims might be found. Officials said no further news conferences are planned and updates will be posted to social media.
At least eight victims were taken to the nearby Henry Ford Genesys Hospital, where two remain in critical condition, officials said. Dr. Michael Danic, the hospital’s chief of staff, said the injured ranged in age from 6 to 78. He said five suffered gunshot wounds and three were treated for smoke inhalation.
Danic noted that several of the hospital’s resident physicians were inside the church during the attack, both as members of the church and as first responders.
“Not only were they victims, they are also first responders,” he said. “Having your friends and family come in injured and take care of them is a really incredible experience. They were heroes — those on the scene were absolutely heroes. Going in and out of the fire to drag people out.”
Democratic Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer urged the community to unite, saying she had spoken with President Donald Trump, who offered his condolences.
