5 Confirmed Dead in Shooting and Arson Attack at Michigan Mormon Church During Sunday Service

At least five people have died after a gunman opened fire at a Mormon church in Michigan during Sunday service.

On Sunday, Sept. 28, at around 10:25 a.m. local time, a 40-year-old man from Burton reportedly “drove his vehicle through the front doors of the church” before firing “several rounds at individuals,” according to Grand Blanc Township Police Department Chief of Police William Renye, speaking at a press conference, per WDIV Local 4 News.

Police had initially confirmed in a Facebook post that there was “an active shooter” at the church on McCandlish Road, adding, “The shooter is down.” The post also noted that “the church is actively on fire.”

During a later press briefing, Chief Renye confirmed that four people, in addition to the shooter, had died, according to a clip shared by NBC News. Eight others were reported injured in the attack.

Reyne praised the actions of first responders and those inside the church at the time. “They were shielding the children who were also present with the church, moving them to safety,” he said, noting that there were “hundreds” of people inside and that police arrived on the scene within 30 seconds of the original 911 call.

The shooting took place in Grand Blanc, about 60 miles northwest of Detroit, during a Sunday service attended by hundreds, according to the BBC. Authorities identified the suspect as Thomas Jacob Sanford, who was later shot dead by police in the church’s parking lot.

Two victims died from gunshot wounds, according to Police Chief Renye, though authorities have not yet released their names.

“We are still trying to determine exactly when and where the fire ended up coming from and how it got started,” Renye said regarding the blaze, per the BBC. Officials indicated the suspect may have used an accelerant, likely gasoline, to ignite the fire. As previously reported by PEOPLE, Renye described the fire as being “deliberately set by the suspect.”

According to ABC News, Sanford was a Marine Corps veteran, serving from June 2004 to June 2008.

Doug Andersen, a spokesperson for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, issued a statement: “A tragic act of violence occurred today at a chapel of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc, Michigan, during Sunday worship services. The Church is in communication with local law enforcement as the investigation continues and as we receive updates on the condition of those affected. We offer thanks to the emergency responders who are assisting victims and families.”

He continued, “We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of prayers and concern from so many people around the world. In moments of sorrow and uncertainty, we find strength and comfort through our faith in Jesus Christ. Places of worship are meant to be sanctuaries of peacemaking, prayer and connection. We pray for peace and healing for all involved.”

The shooting occurred one day after Russell M. Nelson, President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, passed away at age 101. He was the oldest-ever president of the church, having been appointed in January 2018.