Suspect Killed in Police Confrontation
Grand Blanc Township, Michigan – A peaceful Sunday worship service at a chapel of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc Township turned into a scene of unimaginable horror when a gunman rammed his vehicle into the building, opened fire on congregants, and set the structure ablaze, authorities reported. The attack, which unfolded around 10:25 a.m. at the church on McCandlish Road, claimed at least three lives – including the suspect – and left eight others wounded, with fears that the death toll could rise as investigators comb through the fire-ravaged site.
Early reports from local police indicated multiple injuries, but updates throughout the day painted a grimmer picture. Grand Blanc Township Police Chief William Renye confirmed at a press conference that two worshippers were killed by gunfire, and at least eight more – including children – were hospitalized, with one in critical condition and the others stable at Henry Ford Genesys Hospital. Additional victims may have perished in the flames, as the blaze caused a partial roof collapse, trapping people inside. Firefighters battled a five-alarm fire that engulfed the chapel, finally extinguishing it by early afternoon. Evidence technicians later discovered up to three possible improvised explosive devices (IEDs) at the scene, which are now under investigation by the FBI and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
The suspect, identified as 40-year-old Thomas Jacob Sanford of nearby Burton, Michigan, was a U.S. Marine veteran who served in Iraq from 2004 to 2008. Authorities believe Sanford suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). He was neutralized just minutes after the attack began, at 10:33 a.m., when two officers – one from the township police and another from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources – exchanged gunfire with him in the church parking lot. Sanford died at the scene. Investigators searched his home on Atherton Road in Burton and are analyzing his phone records, but motive has been released yet.
The FBI is treating the incident as targeted violence against a place of worship.
US Attorney General Pam Bondi responded on X: “I am receiving briefings about what appears to be a horrific shooting and fire at an LDS church in Grand Blanc, Michigan. @FBI and @ATFHQ agents are en route to the scene now. Such violence at a place of worship is heartbreaking and chilling. Please join me in praying for the victims of this terrible tragedy.”
Hundreds of worshippers were inside the chapel for the two-hour service when chaos erupted. Eyewitness accounts described hearing gunshots and the sound of a vehicle crashing through the front doors, followed by screams and the smell of smoke. “I didn’t know what was going on,” one congregant, Paula, told reporters. “It was scary. I came to worship my Savior Jesus Christ, and I didn’t expect this to happen.” Families were later reunited at the nearby Trillium Theater, coordinated by the Red Cross, with a hotline (248-705-7352) set up for support. Counseling services will begin Monday morning at the Grand Blanc Township Police Department.
In a statement released to the media, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints – often referred to as the LDS Church or Mormon church – expressed profound grief and gratitude for the rapid response from first responders. Attributed to spokesperson Doug Andersen, the statement read:
“A tragic act of violence occurred today at a chapel of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc, Michigan. During Sunday worship services a gunman opened fire, and early reports indicate that multiple individuals were injured. We ask for cooperation with local authorities as details become available.
“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 our 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.”
The timing of the attack added another layer of sorrow for the global LDS community. It came just one day after the death of Russell M. Nelson, the church’s president, who passed away at age 101 on September 27.
The recent shooting at a Catholic church in Minnesota and the horrific murder of Charlie Kirk at the Turning Point USA event in Utah has the nation reeling from increased violence and pain. This just adds to it.
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer voiced her heartbreak in a social media post, calling the violence “unacceptable” in a place of worship and pledging state support. “My heart is breaking for the Grand Blanc community,” she wrote. “I am grateful to the first responders who took action quickly. We will continue to monitor this situation and hold the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc close.” U.S. Rep. Kristen McDonald Rivet (D-MI-08) echoed the sentiment, saying she and her husband were “praying for the victims and the entire Grand Blanc community.”
President Donald Trump condemned the shooting as a “targeted attack on Christians” in a post on Truth Social, while FBI Director Kash Patel stated that agents were on scene to assist.
“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,” President Trump wrote. “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. The Trump Administration will keep the Public posted, as we always do. In the meantime, PRAY for the victims, and their families. THIS EPIDEMIC OF VIOLENCE IN OUR COUNTRY MUST END, IMMEDIATELY!”
The incident marks the 324th mass shooting in the U.S. this year, according to the Gun Violence Archive, and underscores a disturbing rise in attacks on houses of worship – with 415 reported in 2024 alone, up from 50 in 2018.
As the sun set on the smoldering chapel, the Grand Blanc community – a tight-knit suburb near Flint with a strong LDS presence – began the long process of healing. Chief Renye credited the quick actions of the officers for preventing further loss of life, but the scars of this “sanctuary slaughter” will linger. The church, founded in the 19th century in New York and now with millions of followers worldwide, reiterated its commitment to faith amid tragedy: “We pray for peace and healing for all involved.”
This story is developing, with further updates expected as the investigation unfolds. Our thoughts are with the victims, their families, and the entire community.
