A devastating act of violence unfolded in Grand Blanc, Michigan, on Sunday, September 28, 2025, leaving four people dead and eight injured at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Authorities have confirmed all victims are accounted for. The horrific Grand Blanc church attack, involving a mass shooting and arson, has shocked the community. Investigators are now urgently probing the motive behind the tragedy.
The Horrific Attack on a House of Worship
The peaceful morning worship service transformed into chaos around 10:25 a.m. when 40-year-old Thomas Jacob Sanford, a Burton, Michigan resident, launched his assault. Sanford drove his GMC pickup truck, reportedly adorned with two American flags, directly through the front doors of the packed chapel. Officials reported hundreds of congregants were inside at the time.
Upon crashing his vehicle into the building, Sanford exited the truck. He then opened fire with an assault-style rifle, “firing several rounds at individuals within the church.” Following the shooting spree, the perpetrator deliberately set the building ablaze using gasoline. This calculated act intensified the danger for those inside. Witnesses described the terrifying scene, with one survivor, Paul Kirby, recounting a “loud boom” and fearing for his family’s safety as shrapnel flew.
Confrontation and Aftermath
Responding law enforcement officers quickly arrived at the scene. They confronted Sanford in the church parking lot. A shootout ensued, resulting in Sanford’s death. This swift action prevented further harm from the gunman.
The attack left the church building a “total loss.” Fire and structural damage made initial clearing efforts difficult. Investigators from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) later recovered improvised explosive devices from the scene, though their exact placement was not disclosed. The extent of the damage underscores the ferocity of the assault.
Victims and Community Devastation
The Grand Blanc church attack claimed four innocent lives. One victim tragically died at the scene. Another succumbed to injuries later at the hospital. Two more individuals were found deceased within the charred rubble, fatalities attributed to the fire. Eight other people, ranging in age from 6 to 78, sustained injuries. These included gunshot wounds and smoke inhalation. Seven of the injured are reported in stable condition, but one individual remains in critical condition. One child was stabilized and transferred for care.
Grand Blanc Police Chief William Renye confirmed by Monday afternoon that all victims had been accounted for. This news brought some relief amid the tragedy, alleviating initial fears of more bodies in the wreckage. However, the emotional toll on the community remains immense. Local residents expressed profound shock and grief. Many described knowing the victims and considering church members as “family.”
Widespread Impact and Support
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer ordered flags across the state lowered to half-staff. This gesture honored the victims and acknowledged the shared sorrow. Public school districts in Genesee County, including Grand Blanc Community Schools, canceled classes on September 29. They cited the “understandable distraction and unease” caused by the tragedy. Communities like Bloomfield Township announced increased patrols around places of worship. These measures aim to enhance safety and foster a sense of calmness.
The Urgent Search for Motive
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is leading the multi-agency probe into the Grand Blanc church attack. Acting Special Agent in Charge Reuben Coleman of the FBI’s Michigan field office characterized the incident as an “act of targeted violence.” Over 100 FBI agents have been assigned to assist, working alongside local and state law enforcement. Detectives are urgently working to uncover Thomas Jacob Sanford’s motive for the heinous assault. Governor Whitmer has cautioned the public against speculation, emphasizing its potential danger and unhelpfulness to the ongoing investigation.
Exploring Potential Factors
Several lines of inquiry are being pursued to understand Sanford’s motivations. A key insight came from Kris Johns, a Burton City Council candidate. Johns recounted an encounter with Sanford about a week before the attack. During their conversation, Sanford reportedly launched into an anti-LDS tirade, calling Mormons “the Antichrist.” Johns described Sanford’s rhetoric as “standard” talking points found on social media platforms. Despite this animosity, Johns initially found Sanford “outgoing, polite, and ‘extremely friendly’.” He did not perceive the comments as violent at the time. Johns later shared this information with authorities. The White House press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, also cited discussions with the FBI director, mentioning the individual “hated people of the Mormon faith.”
Investigators are also exploring if the attack’s timing connects to the death of Russell M. Nelson. Nelson, the 101-year-old president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, passed away the day before the shooting. Police Chief Renye noted that Sanford’s connection to the church, if any, remains unclear. These various angles highlight the complex nature of understanding such a tragic event.
The Perpetrator: Thomas Jacob Sanford
Details about the attacker, Thomas Jacob Sanford, have emerged. Sanford was a 40-year-old resident of Burton, Michigan. He was a veteran of the Iraq War. He served four years in the United States Marine Corps, from June 2004 to June 2008. Sanford achieved the rank of sergeant. He completed one combat tour to Iraq, serving as an Organizational Automotive Mechanic and Vehicle Recovery Operator. He earned several commendations, including the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal.
Sanford’s father, Tom, briefly spoke to media, expressing profound sorrow. He stated, “I feel bad about the families that were affected by this, aside from ours. We’re not the only ones going through this devastation. We are beside ourselves.”
Personal Struggles and Political Affiliations
Sanford had a reported criminal history. This included previous arrests for burglary and operating a vehicle while intoxicated. During his conversation with Kris Johns, Sanford also mentioned struggling with drug addiction. He was described as an avid hunter and fisherman. His son, born about a decade ago, suffers from a rare condition called hyperinulinism.
Politically, Sanford was a registered voter in Michigan. He was seen in a 2019 photo wearing a “camouflage Trump 2020 campaign shirt.” Johns also observed a “Trump 2024” sign on his fence. However, their conversation did not delve into partisan politics. These details paint a picture of a complex individual whose motivations are still being pieced together by investigators.
Law Enforcement Response and Broader Implications
The investigation into the Grand Blanc church attack is a massive undertaking. Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, FBI Detroit acting special agent in charge Reuben C. Coleman, Genesee County Sheriff Christopher R. Swanson, ATF special agent in charge of the Detroit Field Office James Deir, and Michigan State Police Director Col. James F. Grady II were all present at Monday’s press conference. They highlighted the collaborative efforts of numerous federal, state, and local agencies. Investigators have already interviewed over 100 victims and witnesses. They continue to urge anyone with information to contact the FBI.
Law enforcement officials lauded the immediate, heroic actions of first responders and church attendees. They pledged continued protection for local places of worship. Governor Whitmer made a plea for the public to “lower the temperature” of rhetoric. She warned against speculating about the cause, emphasizing kindness and love among neighbors. This call for unity comes as the nation grapples with an “epidemic of violence,” as described by President Donald Trump.
Additional Incidents and Challenges
The immediate aftermath of the tragedy saw another concerning incident. A 21-year-old was arrested attempting to drive through a police barricade at the church site. A long gun was found in his car. This highlights the heightened tension and potential for further unrest.
The incident also underscored challenges in emergency response. Nearly 750 striking nurses at Henry Ford Genesee Hospital offered their assistance. However, the hospital turned them away, citing “security and patient privacy reasons.” They stated they could manage without additional help.
This event marks one of a dozen mass shootings in Michigan this year. It is also the deadliest among six mass shootings reported across the U.S. that particular weekend. According to the Gun Violence Archive, this brings the total to 324 mass shootings in the U.S. as of September 28, 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc, Michigan?
On Sunday, September 28, 2025, a deadly attack occurred at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc. Thomas Jacob Sanford, 40, drove his truck into the chapel, opened fire on congregants, and set the building ablaze. The rampage resulted in four fatalities and eight injuries, with the church structure deemed a “total loss.” Sanford was killed in a shootout with responding police. All victims have been accounted for, and the FBI is investigating it as an “act of targeted violence.”
Who was the perpetrator of the Grand Blanc church attack, and what is known about his background?
The perpetrator was Thomas Jacob Sanford, a 40-year-old resident of Burton, Michigan. Sanford was a veteran of the Iraq War, having served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 2004 to 2008 and achieving the rank of sergeant. His background also includes a criminal history with arrests for burglary and operating a vehicle while intoxicated. Reports suggest he may have harbored anti-LDS sentiment, although his exact motive remains under official investigation.
What measures are authorities taking to investigate the motive behind the Grand Blanc tragedy?
The FBI’s Michigan field office is spearheading the investigation into the Grand Blanc church attack, deploying over 100 agents alongside state and local law enforcement. They are treating the incident as an “act of targeted violence” and urgently working to determine Sanford’s motive. Investigators are exploring potential connections to anti-LDS sentiment and the recent death of the LDS church president, while cautioning the public against unhelpful speculation.
Moving Forward in Grief and Vigilance
The Grand Blanc church attack stands as a stark reminder of the tragic impact of targeted violence. As investigators continue to piece together Thomas Jacob Sanford’s motivations, the community of Grand Blanc and the state of Michigan grapple with profound grief. The outpouring of support from leaders and residents alike underscores a collective resilience. Yet, the call for patience, a lowering of rhetoric, and increased vigilance around places of worship signals an ongoing need for unity and caution in these challenging times. The extensive multi-agency investigation aims to provide answers, but the scars of this horrific event will undoubtedly remain.
