Deadly church attack in Michigan leaves at least 4 dead, 8 injured

The attack unfolded inside a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where flames and gunfire tore through a congregation gathered for worship.

(NBC)- Federal agents, police, and firefighters worked through the night in Grand Blanc Township, Michigan, combing through the aftermath of a violent attack at a Sunday service. Investigators also searched the suspect’s home as the shocked community grappled with grief and unanswered questions.

The attack unfolded inside a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where flames and gunfire tore through a congregation gathered for worship.

“We heard a big bang and it blew the doors in the church. Everything after that was chaos,” said Paula Maser, a church teacher who witnessed the assault.

Authorities identified the suspect as 40-year-old ex-Marine Thomas Jacob Sanford.

“He drove his vehicle through the front door of the church. He then exited his vehicle firing several rounds at individuals within the church,” said Grand Blanc Township Police Chief Bill Renye.

Police say Sanford also set fire to the sanctuary, escalating the panic inside. Amid the terror, worshipers acted heroically to protect the most vulnerable.

“They were shielding the children who were also present within the church, moving on to safety, just hundreds of people just practicing their faith, just extreme courage,” Renye added.

At least four people were killed and eight others injured before officers fatally shot Sanford in the church parking lot.

The tragedy has left a community in mourning, as investigators work to determine what drove the deadly rampage.