A gunman drove his car through the front entrance of a Mormon church in Michigan on Sunday before opening fire with an assault rifle, killing two people and wounding eight others. The attacker was later shot dead in a confrontation with police, US authorities confirmed.

The suspect was identified as Thomas Jacob Sanford, 40, from Burton, a nearby town. After ramming the building, Sanford set parts of the church ablaze, with smoke and flames quickly spreading.

“We do believe that we will find some additional victims once we find the area where the fire was,” said Grand Blanc Township Police Chief William Renye at a press briefing, noting that hundreds of worshippers had been inside at the time.

Two officers, one from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and another from Grand Blanc Township, engaged Sanford in a gunfight, ultimately killing him, Renye added. Investigators are now examining his home and phone records to determine a motive.

Survivors described scenes of terror. Paula, a parishioner who escaped, told WXYZ television, “We heard a big bang and the doors blew. And then everybody rushed out. … I lost friends in there, and some of my little primary children that I teach on Sundays were hurt. It’s very devastating for me.”

This incident comes shortly after authorities in North Carolina confirmed three people were killed and six others were injured after gunfire erupted Saturday night at a popular waterfront restaurant.

Church shooting marks 324th mass shooting in the US this year, data shows

The Gun Violence Archive recorded the incident as the 324th mass shooting in the United States this year, defining such events as those where four or more people are shot or killed, excluding the perpetrator.

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer wrote on social media: “My heart is breaking for the Grand Blanc community. Violence anywhere, especially in a place of worship, is unacceptable.”

US President Donald Trump echoed those sentiments, calling the attack “yet another targeted attack on Christians in the United States of America.” Writing on Truth Social, he added, “THIS EPIDEMIC OF VIOLENCE IN OUR COUNTRY MUST END, IMMEDIATELY!” and confirmed the FBI was on the scene.

Grand Blanc, a small town of 7,700 residents, lies about 60 miles (100 kilometers) northwest of Detroit.

Rise in mass shootings, gun violence

The United States continues to grapple with a disturbing rise in mass shootings and gun violence, a trend that shows no sign of slowing. From schools and shopping malls to places of worship and military bases, nearly every corner of public life has been touched by deadly gunfire.

According to data from the Gun Violence Archive, the country has already recorded hundreds of mass shootings this year alone, highlighting the persistent and complex nature of America’s gun crisis.

Experts point to a mix of factors, including widespread firearm access, inadequate mental health support, and political gridlock on gun control legislation, as contributors to the escalating violence. As communities mourn and lawmakers debate, many Americans are left questioning when meaningful action will replace thoughts and prayers.

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