Churchgoers at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc Township, Michigan attempted to shield children and move them to safety when a gunman opened fire.
Word broke yesterday about the mass shooting, which saw an individual drive through the doors of the Mormon church in a vehicle bearing two US national flags, before then hopping out an opening fire on those attending the service.
That individual has since been named as Thomas Jacob Sanford, 40, a former Marine who was shot dead by police after launching his attack. His stand-off with the authorities came after he had claimed the lives of at least four people (that figure may yet rise) and set fire to the church.
Plumes of smoke could be seen rising over an inferno of flames at the site yesterday afternoon. The blaze was ultimately extinguished, but authorities revealed that they expected to find more victims inside the ruins of the church.
“Ten gunshot victims have been transported to local hospitals at this time, including one who has been confirmed deceased,” said Grand Blanc Township Police Chief William Renye.
Reyna also touched upon the heroic acts of the churchgoers when Sanford opened fire, revealing that they actively shielded the children in attendance and quickly attempted to get them to safety.
“I’d also like to acknowledge the heroism of not only the first responders, but the people who were inside that church at the time,” Reyne said. “They were shielding the children who are also present within the church, moving them to safety.”
The alleged attacker, Sanford, served with the Marines for four years between 2004 to 2008 and was deployed in Iraq.
At the end of the day yesterday, a source told CNN that there could be as many as seven people yet unaccounted, though officials warned this may include survivors who have not yet been in touch with their families.
Chief Renye told reporters at a press conference last night: “We do know that there are some unaccounted for.”
The FBI is leading the investigation in Sunday morning’s attack. Reuben Coleman, the Acting Special Agent in Charge of FBI Detroit Field Office, said they were doing so as an “act of targeted violence.”
“This act of violence has no place in our state or anywhere else in our country,” Coleman said. “The FBI is committed to continue finding out the facts, circumstances and motives behind this tragedy.”
Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims of this atrocity.
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