A tragic attack at a church in Michigan left at least five people dead — including the suspect — and several others wounded. As investigators dig deeper into the case, they say the motive remains unclear.
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What Happened

On Sunday morning, during a service at a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints building in Grand Blanc Township, Michigan, a man drove a pickup truck into the church, opened fire, and set the building ablaze.
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Police responded quickly and, in a few minutes, exchanged fire with the attacker, killing him.
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The fire caused parts of the church to collapse. Authorities later found more bodies in the charred remains.
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In total, five people died (including the suspect), and eight others were wounded.
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The Suspect

Authorities identified the suspected attacker as Thomas Jacob Sanford, 40 years old. He was a former U.S. Marine who served in Iraq between 2004 and 2008.
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Investigators believe Sanford intentionally set the fire, using gasoline (or another accelerant) to help ignite it.
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They also reported finding some suspected explosive devices, though it is not clear whether they were used.
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At Sanford’s home, authorities discovered that he had displayed a pro-Trump sign outside.
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But this fact alone does not explain his motives.
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Investigations & What Is Unknown

Federal and local law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, are now leading the investigation.
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They are searching Sanford’s digital devices, property, and communication records to piece together his possible motives and whether this was planned in advance.
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So far, officials have not confirmed any definitive motive. The attack is being treated as a targeted act of violence, but whether it was driven by personal beliefs, mental health issues, religious hatred, political extremism, or another cause is not yet known.
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Michigan state police and investigators have warned against premature speculation. They say that until evidence is verified, what people propose as motive may be wrong.
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Reactions and Consequences

The attack struck a deeply religious community during worship services. Many congregants, already grieving, faced fear and disbelief over how a sacred space became a crime scene.
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Local leaders and church officials expressed sorrow, called for calm, and called on authorities to find answers.
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At the national level, the shooting renewed debates over security at houses of worship, the danger of hate or extremist violence, and how to prevent future tragedies.
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Conclusion

The Michigan church shooting was a devastating event. While authorities have identified the suspect and many of his actions, they still don’t know his motive. There is still much to learn. What drove him to attack a place of worship, to use fire and firearms, and to sacrifice his own life in the process — these questions remain unanswered for now. As the investigation proceeds, hope remains that evidence will shed light on why this tragedy occurred, and how communities can be protected going forward.