An ex-Marine attacked a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints congregation in Grand Blanc Township on Sunday, September 28th, killing four people and wounding eight. Police said the man rammed a truck into the building during a morning service, opened fire on congregants, and set the church on fire. He was identified as 40-year-old Thomas Jacob Sanford of Burton and was killed in a shootout with officers minutes later.
Authorities said Sanford used gas to start the blaze and had explosive devices at the scene. “The FBI is investigating this as an act of targeted violence,” said special agent Ruben Coleman. Police Chief William Renye called it an “evil act” that did not define the township. Federal agents, ATF response teams, and local officers searched the ruins, where improvised devices were recovered and victims were pulled from the debris.
Emergency officials confirmed that the eight survivors ranged from six to 78 years old. Dr. Michael Danic of Henry Ford Genesys Hospital said five patients suffered gunshot wounds, while three were treated for smoke inhalation. “Those on the scene were absolute heroes – going in and out of the fire to drag people out,” Dr. Danic said. Nurses on strike nearby left picket lines to help first responders evacuate victims and assist medical crews.
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer condemned the attack, saying that violence “especially in a place of worship” is unacceptable. Representative Bill Huizenga called it “deeply disturbing” that churches continue to be targeted, while President Donald Trump praised the FBI’s response and urged Americans to “pray for the victims and their families,” adding, “THIS EPIDEMIC OF VIOLENCE IN OUR COUNTRY MUST END, IMMEDIATELY!”
Neighbors described chaos as smoke and gunfire spread through the church, with some members shielding children during the attack. Timothy Jones, who attends a nearby congregation, said his ward went into lockdown, noting that Sundays “are supposed to be a time of peace and worship,” making the shooting all the more tragic.
Community members gathered for a prayer vigil later that evening. Pastor Chuck Lindsey said, “We’re exhausted by the evil, we’re exhausted by these things. But Lord, you are our refuge.” Officials lowered flags statewide and pledged to continue the investigation. FBI teams said they interviewed more than 100 witnesses. Local leaders stressed unity as residents mourned victims of one of the deadliest attacks on a U.S. house of worship this year.
