A deadly shooting at a Mormon church in Grand Blanc, Michigan, has left at least four people dead and eight others injured, in what the FBI is investigating as an “act of targeted violence.”
The suspect, identified as 40-year-old Thomas Jacob Sanford, was killed after police engaged in gunfire with him in the church car park.
Authorities say Sanford allegedly rammed his truck through the front doors of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, opened fire on worshippers during the sacrament meeting, and then set the building on fire.
The blaze has since been contained.
The tragedy has sent shockwaves through the global Mormon community, including among Tongans in the United States and abroad.
According to the Church, its membership in Tonga as of 2024 stood at 68,609—representing approximately 60 per cent of the country’s population. This makes it the second-largest religion in Tonga, surpassing Catholicism and trailing Methodism, the largest denomination in the kingdom.
There are estimated to be tens of thousands of Tongan members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints living in the United States, reflecting the strong religious and cultural ties maintained by the Tongan diaspora.
Tongan Professor Tevita O. Kaʻili, at BYU University, also a member of the LDS Church and a respected academic, shared updates and photos on social media, including a statement from church leadership.
One of the images he posted showed smoke rising from the ruins of the chapel, accompanied by a caption summarising the event.
“An aerial photo shows what remains of the chapel of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc, Michigan”, he wrote.
The event took place during the sacrament meeting (communion) of the ward (congregation),” Professor Kaʻili wrote, referencing a news report from Detroit News.
His post drew emotional responses from Tongans online.
“Nothing is sacred anymore, how sad!” one commenter wrote.
Another added, “That’s very sad 😢… Tēvita O. Kaʻili we pray for the LDS community during this time of sorrow.”
Church officials have confirmed that the suspect had no known connection to the congregation.
Investigators are still working to determine his motive.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints issued a statement calling the incident “a tragic act of violence” and urged members to pray for peace and healing
