5 Confirmed Dead in Shooting and Arson Attack at Michigan Mormon Church

At least five people have now died after a gunman opened fire at a Mormon Church in Michigan during Sunday service.

On Sunday, Sept. 28, at around 10:25 a.m. local time at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc, a 40-year-old man from Burton, “drove his vehicle through the front doors of the church” before firing “several rounds at individuals,” Grand Blanc Township Police Department Chief of Police, William Renye, said during a press conference, per Michigan’s WDIV Local 4 News.

Police had previously confirmed in a Facebook post that there was “an active shooter” at the church on McCandlish Road, adding, “The shooter is down.”

“The church is actively on fire,” police added in the initial post.

In a further update during a press conference on Sunday, Chief of Police Renye said that four people, plus the shooter, had died in the attack, according to a clip shared by NBC News. The outlet reported that eight others had been injured during the incident.

Reyne also praised the heroism of first responders and those inside the church at the time of the incident.

“They were shielding the children who were also present with the church, moving them to safety,” Reyne said adding that there were “hundreds” of people inside” and police were on the scene within 30 seconds of the original 911 call.

The shooting, which occurred in the city approximately 60 miles northwest of Detroit, happened during a Sunday service attended by hundreds of people, according to the BBC. The suspect, who has been identified as Thomas Jacob Sanford, was later shot dead by police in the church’s parking lot, per the outlet.

Two of the victims died from gunshot wounds, the BBC reported, citing Police Chief Renye. The victims have not yet been named by authorities.

“We are still trying to determine exactly when and where the fire ended up coming from and how it got started,” Renye said of the blaze, per the outlet. Authorities said the suspect had possibly used an accelerant, most likely gasoline, to start the fire.

As previously reported by PEOPLE, Renye said during the initial news conference of the fire, “We believe that was deliberately set by the suspect.”

According to ABC News, suspect Sanford was a Marine Corps veteran, serving four years from June 2004 to June 2008.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints spokesperson, Doug Andersen, said in a statement following the shooting, “A tragic act of violence occurred today at a chapel of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc, Michigan,” adding that the shooting occurred “during Sunday worship services.”

“The Church is in communication with local law enforcement as the investigation continues and as we receive updates on the condition of those affected. We offer thanks to the emergency responders who are assisting victims and families,” the spokesperson added.

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“We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of prayers and concern from so many people around the world. In moments of sorrow and uncertainty, we find strength and comfort through our faith in Jesus Christ. Places of worship are meant to be sanctuaries of peacemaking, prayer and connection. We pray for peace and healing for all involved,” Andersen continued.

The shooting incident took place after Russell M. Nelson, the President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, died at age 101 on Saturday, Sept. 28. He was the oldest-ever president of the church after being appointed to lead in January 2018.

Grand Blanc Township Police Chief William Renye and the United States Marine Corps did not immediately respond when contacted by PEOPLE for additional information.