At least two people have died with eight others left injured in a shooting after a gunman opened fire at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc Township, Michigan on Sunday morning (September 28). Grand Blanc is a suburb of Flint, Michigan, and is located about an hour’s drive north of Detroit
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Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson said the shooter is down and no longer an active threat. Swanson along with other officials said the gunman rammed their vehicle through the front of the church during a large service and began shooting.
Following the shooting, police say the gunman intentionally started a fire at the church, which grew into a large blaze. At the time of publishing, at least two people have died with eight others injured. However, officers believe they will find additional victims when it is safe to enter the building.
Police said it took officers less than a minute to respond to the church shooting. Grand Blanc Township Police Chief William Renye said, “That call came out at 10:25 a.m. and 32 seconds. We had officers on scene at 10:25 and 57 seconds.”
Upon arrival, officers said they exchanged fire with the gunman and killed him during the incident. Renye added that the suspect “was neutralized at 10:33” in the church parking lot. Investigators have since identified the man as Thomas Jacob Sanford. He is a 40-year-old man from the nearby city of Burton, Michigan.
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Donald Trump Condemns ‘Violence Epidemic’ In America After ‘Yet Another Targeted Attack On Christians’ In Michigan Mormon Church Shooting And Fire
Upon arrival, police killed the gunman. President Donald Trump has since spoken out about the shooting, stating:
“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.
This appears to be yet another targeted attack on Christians in the United States of America. The Trump Administration will keep the Public posted, as we always do. In the meantime, PRAY for the victims, and their families. THIS EPIDEMIC OF VIOLENCE IN OUR COUNTRY MUST END, IMMEDIATELY!”
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