Hero Cops Kill Gunman Minutes Into Grand Blanc Church Attack
Police shot the gunman just eight minutes after he rammed a truck into the LDS church, opened fire, and set the building ablaze
Police in Grand Blanc Township, Michigan, shot and killed a heavily armed attacker on Sunday morning just minutes into a violent assault on the local Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Authorities identified the gunman as 40-year-old Thomas Sanford.
According to police, Sanford rammed his truck into the church, opened fire with an assault rifle, and then set the building on fire.
Officers responded within 32 seconds of the first emergency call and fatally shot him by 10:33 a.m.,
only eight minutes after the rampage began.
Despite the swift response, two people were killed and eight others wounded, including a child in critical condition.
Emergency crews evacuated worshippers as firefighters battled flames inside the church.
During a search of the scene, investigators discovered explosive devices, prompting bomb squads to secure the area.
Authorities said the motive remains under investigation but noted they are examining whether Sanford’s attack was connected to the recent death of LDS Church president Russell M. Nelson.
Grand Blanc Township officials praised the officers’ rapid action for preventing further carnage. “The quick response saved countless lives,” a police spokesperson said.
The attack has stunned the local community, which is now grappling with both grief and unanswered questions about what drove Sanford to target the congregation.