Gun attack on Church in Michigan

Tragedy in Michigan: Gunman Opens Fire and Sets Mormon Church Ablaze During Sunday Service

A quiet township in Michigan has been shattered by one of the most disturbing acts of violence the state has seen in years. What began as a peaceful Sunday service at a local Mormon church turned into a nightmare when a heavily armed gunman stormed inside, opened fire on worshippers, and then set the building on fire.

The incident, which occurred in Gramling Township, left at least four worshippers dead and several others injured. The suspect, identified as 40-year-old Thomas Sanford, a former U.S. Marine and local resident, was killed in an exchange of gunfire with police in the church’s parking lot. Federal authorities have described the attack as an act of targeted violence, though a clear motive has yet to be established.

Chaos Inside the Church

Survivors recalled how the morning began like any other Sunday. Congregants had sung hymns, shared in sacrament, and were preparing for the sermon when an explosion tore through the doors. One eyewitness described the scene:

They said that they had heard a loud bang and that the doors had blown in. Suddenly, it was chaos. People were screaming and running. I saw bodies on the sidewalk. One man had been shot in the leg and was bleeding badly in the back of someone’s truck.”

According to investigators, Sanford entered the church carrying an assault rifle, firing indiscriminately at worshippers. He later doused parts of the sanctuary with gasoline and ignited it, causing the building to erupt into flames.

Law Enforcement’s Rapid Response

Police say they received the first 911 call within seconds of the attack. Within 30 seconds, officers were on the scene, and Sanford was confronted in the back parking lot just eight minutes later. A Department of Natural Resources (DNR) officer and a Gramling Township police officer exchanged fire with the suspect, ultimately killing him before he could cause further carnage.

Authorities confirmed that at least two of the deceased victims died from gunshot wounds, while others may have succumbed to the fire. The full toll is still unclear, as the building suffered catastrophic damage, leaving areas inaccessible to rescue teams.

The FBI has now taken the lead in the investigation, deploying crisis response teams, SWAT, bomb technicians, and fire investigators to the scene. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) is also involved, working to determine the exact cause of the fire. Investigators believe Sanford used gasoline as an accelerant, though suspected explosive devices were also recovered from the area.

Community in Shock

For a community that prides itself on faith and unity, the attack has been devastating. Local leaders emphasized both the bravery of first responders and the courage of worshippers who risked their lives to protect others. Several congregants reportedly shielded children during the chaos, moving them to safety as bullets tore through the sanctuary.

“Hundreds of people were simply practicing their faith,” said one local official. “What we saw inside was extreme courage and selflessness. This is the kind of community we are—one that protects one another in the darkest of times.”

A Pattern of Violence

The tragedy in Michigan is part of a disturbing national trend. This year alone, the United States has already recorded hundreds of mass shootings. Places of worship, schools, and public gatherings continue to be targeted despite repeated calls for reform.

Just last month, a Catholic school in Minneapolis came under attack when a gunman fired through classroom windows during the first week of term, killing two children.

Former President Donald Trump reacted to the Michigan tragedy on social media, calling it “another attack on Christians” and urging the country to confront what he described as an epidemic of violence. “This must end immediately,” he wrote.

Federal Investigation Underway

FBI officials have made clear that the investigation is only beginning. They are treating the attack as targeted violence, but are not ruling out other motives until more evidence is gathered.

“The entire church has not yet been cleared,” an FBI spokesperson explained, noting that the structure is a total loss due to fire damage. “Our teams are working through debris to recover any additional victims. This remains a very active investigation.”

The ATF has mobilized its National Response Team, composed of fire and explosives experts from across the country, to determine the precise sequence of events that led to the devastating blaze.

A Community Searching for Answers

As Gramling Township mourns, vigils are being organized across Michigan to honor the victims and their families. Clergy from different faiths have joined together in solidarity, emphasizing the need for unity and resilience.

“This kind of violence has no place in our state, or anywhere in our country,” said Michigan officials in a joint statement. “We are committed to supporting this community as it recovers.”

For survivors, however, the trauma is still raw. Many described how quickly an ordinary Sunday transformed into a nightmare of smoke, flames, and gunfire. “I never thought something like this would happen here,” said one tearful congregant. “It’s something you only see on the news—until it happens in your own backyard.”

The Road Ahead

Even as investigators search for motives and answers, the tragedy highlights a growing sense of urgency in America’s struggle with mass shootings. With no sign of these attacks slowing, questions are being raised once again about gun control, mental health support, and the protection of public spaces.

For now, Gramling Township is left to grieve the loss of its neighbors, friends, and family members. In the words of one community leader:

“This could have been completely avoided. It’s tragic, and it’s not who we are. But we will overcome this, just as we always have.”