5 killed, 8 hurt in Michigan church shooting

International

A DAY of worship turned tragic when a lone gunman opened fire at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc Township, Michigan on Sunday morning (local time), Sept. 28.

In a report by NBC News, it was past 10 a.m. when a 40-year-old man identified as Thomas Jacob Sanford drove his pickup truck into the church during a crowded service.

The man got off the vehicle and opened fire on congregants before setting the building ablaze using gasoline. The attack resulted in at least five deaths, including the gunman, and eight injuries.

Sanford was fatally shot by responding police officers within minutes of the attack.

The church, filled with hundreds of worshippers at the time, was severely damaged in the attack. Firefighters battled a five-alarm blaze that caused a partial collapse of the structure.

Emergency responders continue to search the rubble for additional victims. One injured individual remains in critical condition, while seven others are stable.

Local and national leaders have condemned the violence.

President Donald Trump labeled the attack a targeted assault on Christians and called for an end to the epidemic of violence in the country.

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer expressed her heartbreak for the Grand Blanc community and praised the swift response of first responders.(Maria Victoria Diana, USJ-R Comm Intern)