The death toll from the Grand Blanc LDS church shooting has risen to five, including the gunman, as the FBI takes the lead in the investigation, it was announced during a press conference on September 29th. Evidence indicates the suspect used an accelerant, identified as gasoline, to start a fire at the church, according to Intel Point Alert and Faytuks Network. Authorities confirmed that police were on the scene within 30 seconds of the initial report. While the suspect is deceased, an unknown number of individuals remain unaccounted for as the church has not been fully cleared. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) is investigating the fire aspect of the incident. Michigan State Police are also investigating multiple bomb threats that have been reported at nearby churches across the state. Previously, reports from September 28th indicated two fatalities, including the suspect, Thomas Sanford, a 40-year-old Iraq War veteran. Ten individuals were initially reported as shot, with one in critical and seven in stable condition. Improvised explosive devices (IEDs) were discovered in Sanford's vehicle. This new information updates the previously reported death toll and clarifies the investigative roles, with the FBI now heading the overall investigation. In a separate incident reported in the early hours of September 29th, law enforcement was investigating a shooting at "The Hideout" community in Lake Ariel, Pennsylvania. Local media reported that the suspect was in custody and there was no ongoing threat to the community, with several victims receiving medical attention.
