4 killed, 8 injured in US church shooting

At least four people have been killed and eight others injured after a gunman opened fire inside the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Michigan, United States.

The incident occurred during Sunday prayers when the attacker stormed the church, firing indiscriminately, before setting the building on fire. Police later shot the gunman dead, authorities confirmed.

Michigan Police Chief William Reny told reporters that hundreds of worshippers were present in Grand Blanc Township, around 50 miles north of Detroit. He said the assailant drove a four-door pickup truck through the main gate of the church before opening fire and eventually starting the blaze.

Reny added that police arrived at the scene within 30 seconds of the 911 call and killed the attacker within eight minutes. After fleeing the church, the gunman exchanged fire with two officers before being neutralised.

Flames and smoke were seen billowing from the church for hours before firefighters brought the situation under control.

The police chief confirmed the attacker was identified as 40-year-old Thomas Jacob Sanford, a resident of nearby Burton. He said the motive remains unclear and investigations are ongoing, with police cordoning off the road to the suspect’s house.

Among the injured, one is in critical condition while the others are stable. Reny also said that two bodies were recovered from the debris, warning that more victims may be found.