Grand Blanc Township, Michigan (AP) – Police officers searched the burnt ruins of Jesus Christ Church in Latter-day Saints Sanctuary in Michigan on Monday, the day after former Marines opened. Fires during busy servicekill at least four people and burn the building.
Eight other people were injured in the attack, and authorities say they are looking for more casualties.
The silver pickup truck, carrying two American flags in its bed, remained where it crashed into the front brick wall of a church that had gathered hundreds of people in the town of Grand Blanc outside Flint before the gunman came out and began filming.
The attackers apparently used gas to launch the fire and had an explosive device, but it was not clear whether he used them, said James Deer, of alcohol, cigarettes, firearms and explosives.
Authorities have identified the shooter as Thomas Jacob Sanford, 40, of the town of Nearby Burton. The FBI is leading the investigation and views it as “a targeted act of violence,” said Reuben Coleman, a special agent at the department.
White House spokesman Karoline Leavitt said investigators are considering how much planning the attack took.
“Based on my conversations with the FBI director, all they know now is that this is an individual who hates people with the Mormon faith,” she said Monday in an interview with Fox News Channel’s “Fox and Friends.”
The officer answered the 911 call and was at the church within 30 seconds, police chief William Lenay told reporters. After the suspect left the church, two officers chased him and killed him about eight minutes later, saying he was “engaged in a shooting,” the chief said.
For hours, flames and smoke were poured from the massive churches before the flames disappeared. The fire destroyed almost everything in the building, consuming towering white spires and sanctuaries. Only its exterior walls and some side rooms stood.
Two bodies were found during the search for the wreckage, and Lenay said more victims would be found as the searchers proceeded their way through the whole church. One of the injured was in danger on Sunday evening, while the other seven remained stable.
Renai said “some people” were immeasurable, but he didn’t have an exact number.
The motivation is not yet clear
Investigators deployed the robots while searching for Sanford’s residence, but authorities did not say they found any additional details about him, such as whether he had any connections to the Latter-day Saint Church of Jesus Christ, widely known as the Mormon Church, or provide additional details about him.
Sanford served four years early in the war of terrorism during the Earth War, according to records released by the Marines. He enlisted in 2004 and was discharged from the hospital in 2008 with the rank of Sergeant. During his enlistment, Sanford held two different duties specialties focusing on vehicle operation and maintenance.
He has once deployed to Iraq for seven months, was awarded a good action medal, showing three years of service without major violations.
The filming was the latest Many shooting attacks At places of worship in the United States for the past 20 years Minneapolis Announcement Church.
It was also the second mass shooting in the US within 24 hours. Saturday night, A man on the boat fired Three people were killed and five injured by the crowd in Southport, North Carolina.
President Donald Trump praised the FBI for his response to Michigan’s shooting in a social media post. Local governments said the FBI is sending 100 agents to Grand Blanc Township, a community of around 40,000 people.
“Pray for the victims and their families. This epidemic of violence in our country must end soon!” Trump wrote.
The church building, surrounded by a car park and a large lawn, is located near residential areas and Jehovah’s Witnesses Church.
The filming occurred the next morning. Russell M. Nelson, The oldest president He died at the age of 101 of his Utah-based faith. The next president is Darrin H. Oaks. Church Protocol.
“As the investigation continues, the churches contact local law enforcement agencies and receive updates on the condition of those affected,” spokesman Doug Anderson said.
“The place of worship is intended to be a sanctuary of peacemaking, prayer and connection. We pray for peace and healing for all involved.”
The impact of the shooting spread across the region
Grand Blanc Community School, representing more than a dozen schools for kindergarten students to high school, closed on Monday.
The day will allow families time to handle and mourn this tragedy with their children, allowing the district and police to gain more insight into the details surrounding the event,” Principal Trevor Alward said in a letter. “This violence is being condemned.”
About 100 people gathered on Sunday evening at River River Church in Grand Blanc. It is a non-denominational Christian church about five miles (8 km) from the Latter-day Saint Church of Jesus Christ. Many bowed their heads, some cried softly. Some spoke loudly in prayer, seeking healing for the victim, their families and first responders.
“We live in difficult and difficult days, tired and exhausted days,” Pastor Chuck Lindsey led the congregation in prayer. “We are tired of evil. We are tired of these things. But Lord, you are our shelter.”
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Associated Press reporter Corey Williams, Corey Williams of Grand Blanctownship, Michigan; Safiyah Riddle of Montgomery, Alabama; Sophia Turrene of Chicago. Constantin Tropin in Washington. Christopher Weber of Los Angeles contributed to this report.
