Overview
- Officials identified the attacker as Thomas Jacob Sanford, who was killed by responding law enforcement.
- Investigators say Sanford rammed a pickup into the Grand Blanc meetinghouse, set a fire, and opened fire on congregants.
- The FBI cited anti-religious beliefs toward the Mormon community as the motive, with Special Agent in Charge Jennifer Runyan delivering the announcement.
- Authorities confirmed five dead including the assailant and nine injured, and the church building was declared a total loss from the blaze.
- Federal agents are assembling forensic, digital, and witness evidence as the investigation continues under FBI leadership.