Police identified former US marine as suspect in Michigan Mormon church shooting

Authorities have confirmed that the suspect involved in a horrific shooting at a Mormon church in Michigan was a former US Marine.

Yesterday (28 September), at least four people were killed and eight wounded when a man smashed a pickup truck into a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Church before opening fire and setting the building ablaze.

The attack took place during a crowded Sunday service at 10:25am when hundreds of people were in the building, and the gunman was fatally shot by police when they arrived on the scene.

The man got out of the vehicle with two American flags raised in the truck bed and started shooting, police chief William Renye told reporters.

He used petrol to start the fire and also had explosive devices, but it was not clear if he used them, James Dier of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, confirmed.

The suspect has been identified as former US marine Thomas Jacob Sanford, 40 (NBC/Handout)

Police have now identified the suspect as Thomas Jacob Sanford, 40, a former US Marine who hailed from the neighbouring small town of Burton.

Sanford served in the Marines from June 2004 to June 2008, working as an automotive mechanic and vehicle recovery operator, according to military records obtained by The Detroit News.

He was deployed to Iraq from August 2007 through March 2008 and held the rank of sergeant, it was reported.

According to NBC News, he had a slew of medals under his belt, including the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, the Iraq Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and the National Defense Service Medal.

An investigation led by the FBI is underway to uncover a motive, as the federal law enforcement agency described the incident as an 'act of targeted violence'.

Authorities also confirmed that there is no ongoing threat to the public. Officers responding to a 911 call were at the church within 30 seconds, police chief William Renye confirmed.

After the suspect left the church, two officers pursued him and 'engaged in gunfire', killing him about eight minutes later, the officer continued.

The devastating attack took place at a Mormon church in Michigan yesterday (Bill Pugliano/Getty Images)

One of the wounded people was in a critical condition on Sunday evening, and the seven others were stable. Renye said 'some' people still were unaccounted for, but he did not have an exact number.

Michigan state police lieutenant Kim Vetter said that bomb threats were made at other churches in the area after officers shot and killed Sanford, as she added: "We've responded and cleared those locations."

Speaking out about the tragedy, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints spokesman Doug Anderson said: “The church is in communication with local law enforcement as the investigation continues and as we receive updates on the condition of those affected.

“Places of worship are meant to be sanctuaries of peace-making, prayer and connection. We pray for peace and healing for all involved."

US President Donald Trump has since issued a social media statement on the horrific attack.

He wrote on Truth Social: "I have been briefed on the horrendous shooting that took place at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc, Michigan.

"The FBI was immediately on scene, and will be leading the Federal Investigation, and providing full support to State and Local Officials. The suspect is dead, but there is still a lot to learn.

He added: "This appears to be yet another targeted attack on Christians in the United States of America. The Trump Administration will keep the Public posted, as we always do.

"In the meantime, PRAY for the victims, and their families. THIS EPIDEMIC OF VIOLENCE IN OUR COUNTRY MUST END, IMMEDIATELY!"