Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc Township turned to horror when gunfire erupted, the building was set ablaze, and lives were lost. Authorities say the suspect was killed by responding police, though the motive remains under investigation.
Police say the attack began around 10:25 a.m. local time, when a man drove a pickup truck into the church’s front doors during Sunday worship services. He then exited the vehicle and opened fire on congregants, before a fire broke out in the building.
When officers arrived—reportedly within 30 seconds—they engaged the shooter. The suspect was fatally shot in the exchange. Firefighters later thought significant damage and a partial collapse were possible. Authorities warn that additional victims may be discovered as debris is cleared.
At least two people have died following the attack—one at the scene and another later at a hospital. Eight others were wounded and transported to hospitals. One was reported in critical condition. Some initial reports claimed “at least 10 shot,” but more reliable counts so far suggest eight wounded plus the two fatalities.
Authorities have identified the shooter as Thomas Jacob Sanford, 40, from Burton, Michigan. Some reports suggest he was a veteran of the Iraq War, but that detail is still being verified. Inside the suspect’s vehicle, investigators reportedly found improvised explosive devices (IEDs), prompting the involvement of bomb squads at both the church and the suspect’s home. At his home in Burton, SWAT teams and bomb squad robots have been deployed to search for additional evidence or explosives. Law enforcement also executes warrants and reviews the suspect’s phone records to establish motive.
Governor Gretchen Whitmer issued a statement calling the attack “unacceptable” and expressing grief for the Grand Blanc community. The church’s national leadership released a statement condemning the violence, calling places of worship sanctuaries, and asking for prayers and cooperation with law enforcement. Genesee County officials, federal agencies (including the FBI and ATF), and local law enforcement are all collaborating on the case.
Unanswered Questions
What was Sanford’s motive?
Were there additional victims inside the structure obscured by fire damage?
How many IEDs or related explosive devices remain undiscovered?
Was there any prior connection between Sanford and the church or worshippers?
This is a developing story. I’ll continue to monitor for updates.
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