The gunman who killed at least four people and injured eight others during a shooting at a church in Michigan has been named as Donald Trump blasted the "targeted attack on Christians".
Shots were fired into a hundreds-strong crowd gathered for a service at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc at around 10.25am local time on Sunday.
Police named the suspect as 40-year-old Thomas Jacob Sanford, an Iraq War veteran who was from nearby Burton.
Grand Blanc Township Police Chief, William Renye, confirmed Sanford was "neutralised" within eight minutes by officers who "engaged in gunfire" with him in the church car park.
According to authorities, Sanford rammed his vehicle through the door to the church and opened fire with an assault rifle.
The building was engulfed in flames after the incident, and although Mr Renye told a press conference that authorities are "still determining how the fire started", he did say that they believe it was "deliberately set by the suspect".
At a later press conference, it was confirmed that two more bodies were found in the building, in addition to the two people shot, taking the death toll to four victims, in addition to the gunman.
Authorities have not yet managed to clear the whole building, and police have said there are people who remain unaccounted for.
It is understood that at least one person remains in critical condition in hospital, with seven others in stable condition.
Two senior US law enforcement officials said that three improvised devices had been found as of Sunday afternoon, according to NBC News.
Police were on scene just 32 seconds after the incident was reported to authorities
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Meanwhile, Donald Trump took to social media to condemn the attack, and the ongoing "epidemic of violence" unfolding in America.
He said: "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. This appears to be yet another targeted attack on Christians in the United States of America."
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Although the cause of the fire remains unknown, police believe it was 'deliberately set'
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Authorities across the country have since confirmed an increase in protection at religious institutions.
New York Police Department said it is "deploying additional resources to religious institutions across the city".
In Los Angeles, Mayor Karen Bass said her city's officials will "increase patrols at places of worship", adding: "This type of violence is reprehensible and should have no place in our country."
The shooting was reported to police at 10.25am local time, and officers were on scene just 32 seconds later.
PICTURED: Michigan State Police Bomb Squad working outside the residence of the suspect
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Just before 1pm, authorities declared that the blaze had been "contained", however one witness said the church had been "completely destroyed" by the flames.
Doug Andersen, spokesman for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 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.
"We offer thanks to the emergency responders who are assisting victims and families.
"We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of prayers and concern from so many people around the world.
"In moments of sorrow and uncertainty, we find strength and comfort through out faith in Jesus Christ.
"Places of worship are meant to be sanctuaries of peacemaking, prayer and connection. We pray for peace and healing for all involved."