Investigators search for motive in deadly Michigan church attack

In an effort to determine why a shooter drove his car into a church, opened fire, and then set the structure on fire, Michigan investigators have spoken with over 100 people.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer of the state urged patience during a press conference on Monday while the FBI investigates the Sunday attack’s purpose.

The suspect, 40-year-old Thomas Jacob Sanford, assaulted the Grand Blanc Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, killing four people and wounding eight more. Police later shot him dead in the parking lot.

At the time, hundreds of people were at a service, and authorities reported on Monday that everyone was safe.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) was “trying to understand more about this, how premeditated it was, how much planning went into it, whether he left a note”.

On Monday, officials said it was an “act of targeted violence” but the motive was still unclear.

Governor Whitmer asked that people lower the “temperature of rhetoric” and noted that while it might feel natural to want to know why this attack happened, speculating is “unhelpful and it can be downright dangerous”.

She and law enforcement asked for people to be patient for answers.

Authorities worked throughout Sunday to clear the building- which was fully engulfed in flames – and ensure all of those who were attending services were accounted for.

“We are still trying to determine exactly when and where the fire ended up coming from and how it got started,” Grand Blanc Township Police Chief William Renye said on Monday.

The suspect had used an accelerant – most likely petrol – to start the blaze, authorities said.

Two victims were initially found dead of gunshot wounds, and two others were later found dead in the building as police searched.

Authorities have still not publicly identified those killed in the attack or given any indication on whether the suspect had any links to the church.