Another mass shooting in the US has led to the deaths of at least five people – including the gunman – with more than eight others injured, according to the police.
Harrowing reports detail how the shooting, which occurred at a Mormon church in Michigan, also resulted in a large fire set by the suspect.
The incident unfolded at around 10.25am local time on Sunday at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc Township, Michigan. Images of the devastating scene soon found their way online, depicting a looming column of smoke from the blaze, that looked to have consumed the building’s roof.
The gunman has since been identified as Thomas Jacob Sanford, 40, a former Marine who was shot dead by police after launching his attack.
Harrowing reports from Sky News detail how Sanford allegedly drove a vehicle bearing two US national flags through the front doors of the church before opening fire with an assault rifle.
The 40-year-old, who served with the Marines for four years between 2004 to 2008 and was deployed in Iraq, then got out of his vehicle and fired upon people attending Sunday service.
He then deliberately started a fire using gasoline, according to James Deir, Special Agent in Charge of the ATF Detroit Field Division.
At the time of writing, the blaze has been extinguished, with authorities revealing that they expect to find more victims inside the ruins of the church.
Last night, at around 8pm, Grand Blanc Township Chief William Renye confirmed that two more bodies had been recovered inside the building, in addition to the two other victims who had died of gunshot wounds.
Chief Reyne added that law enforcement officers responded to the scene within 30 seconds of receiving the first 911 call. He also acknowledged that there were “multiple victims,” but his department did not have their names.
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Ten gunshot victims have been transported to local hospitals at this time, including one who has been confirmed deceased,” Reyne said.
According to the New York Post, Sanford was a husband and father to a young boy who had been diagnosed with congenital hyperinsulinism–a condition that leads to the overproduction of insulin.
A GoFundMe page set up to provide financial assistance for the family in the wake of the diagnosis had raised a reported $3,000.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to all the victims of this atrocity.
