GRAND BLANC (WWJ) -- Residents of Grand Blanc Township, Michigan, and across the state remain stunned one day after a man drove his truck into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and started shooting, before setting the church on fire.
Four people are dead, eight others injured. Police say two people were shot and two others were found in the rubble of the church, which was destroyed by the fire. Officials said the wounded victims ranged in age from 6 years old to 78.
The alleged shooter. 40-year-old Thomas Jacob Sanford of Burton, was also killed in a gunfight with police.
Authorities feared they would find additional victims in the aftermath, but everyone was accounted for after a sweep of the charred ruins on Monday, police said.
Township Police Chief William Renye called the incident "tragic" and praised the parishioners who helped save children and others.
The scene was still very active Monday afternoon, with streets blocked off to traffic and the FBI leading the ongoing investigation.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer ordered all U.S. and Michigan flags to be lowered to half-staff on all public buildings and grounds across the state through Friday. The governor also encourages local businesses, schools and residents to lower their flags as well.
"Your grief is our grief," she told the Grand Branc community at an afternoon news conference.
Whitmer said she spoke with President Donald Trump and that he shared his condolences.
“This might be a familiar pain, but it hurts all the same. Every time. We cannot continue living our lives like this,” Whitmer said.
Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson responded to the scene Sunday, he joined WWJ Monday morning with his reaction to the shooting.
Swanson grew up in Grand Blanc and graduated from Grand Blanc High School in 1990. He was on his way to church himself, when he got the active shooter call from a lieutenant.
“That’s why you prepare everywhere. You can’t say it won’t happen in my backyard and this is an example of that,” said Swanson. “For people that know a first responder, just reach out to them to give them a thanks today.”
Dozens of businesses are coming together in this time of uncertainty. Parlor Doughnuts on S. Saginaw Street is offering a free donut and coffee for first responders today. The Holly Café is offering a free cup of soup and drink to first responders through Oct. 6.
U.S. Senator Elissa Slotkin said, “Now is the time for compassion, for comforting those who are grieving, and for standing shoulder to shoulder as one community.”
From nearby Holly, Slotkin visited Grand Blanc to show her support.
She told reporters, "We have a crisis going on, right? We have this happening way too many times, and we have to be leaders right now in acknowledging we have a problem."
The Grand Blanc Police Department is offering counseling services starting at 8 a.m. on Monday. Sen. Slotkin called services like these "very important" in the aftermath of mass shootings in communities like Oxford and East Lansing.
Nationally, President Trump posted to Truth Social saying the FBI immediately responded to the scene and will lead the federal investigation into the shooting and will provide "full support" to state and local officials.
Trump added: "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!"
Former U.S. Sen. Mitt Romney, a Michigan native and member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, said on social media," Tragedy in Michigan as my brothers and sisters and their church are targets of violence. Praying for healing and comforting."
The motive for the shooting is still unknown, as the FBI-led investigation continues.
Stay with WWJ Newsradio 950 for continuing coverage.