Grand Blanc Township, September 29, 2025
News Summary
A horrific shooting at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc Township led to the deaths of four individuals and injuries to eight others. The incident occurred during Sunday services when Thomas Jacob Sanford drove his truck into the church and opened fire with an assault rifle, resulting in chaos and destruction. The church was set ablaze, prompting a swift response from law enforcement. Authorities are investigating the incident as an act of targeted violence, and the community is left mourning the tragic loss of life during what should have been a peaceful gathering.
Grand Blanc Township, Michigan — A tragic shooting occurred at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc Township on September 28, resulting in the deaths of four individuals and injuries to eight others. The chaos unfolded around 10:25 a.m. during Sunday services when a man identified as Thomas Jacob Sanford, 40, plowed his pickup truck into the church before opening fire with an assault rifle.
Police confirmed that at least four people died due to the shooting, with two victims shot and two others believed to have succumbed to injuries in the blaze that followed. Witness reports indicated that the church, which was filled with hundreds of congregants, quickly turned into a scene of horror as Sanford shot indiscriminately at attendees. Eight additional individuals suffered injuries, many of them reported to be in critical condition.
After the gunfire commenced, the church was set ablaze. Authorities suspect an accelerant, likely gasoline, was used to ignite the fire shortly after the shooting began. By 10:33 a.m., just eight minutes after the emergency call, responding officers engaged in gunfire with Sanford, killing him on the scene.
The fire rendered the church a total loss, with ongoing efforts from rescue teams to search through debris for any additional victims. In the suspect’s vehicle, law enforcement uncovered possible explosive devices, though it remains unclear how they relate to the attack. The FBI has classified the incident as “an act of targeted violence” and is taking over the investigation.
As authorities continue their inquiries, they are also managing reports of bomb threats at various locations, including nearby churches. Local hospital Henry Ford Genesys Hospital reported treating nine individuals from the church and experienced a temporary lockdown while the situation unfolded.
Grand Blanc Township has a population of around 40,000 residents and is situated about 60 miles northwest of Detroit. Following the shooting, Michigan’s Governor expressed deep sorrow over the violence that occurred in a sacred space, calling it unacceptable. Additionally, the President addressed the incident through social media, urging a closer analysis of the violence prevalent in the U.S. and showing support for those affected by the shooting.
Thomas Jacob Sanford was a former U.S. Marine who served between 2004 and 2008. It has been reported that he had connections to the local community, residing in nearby Burton, Michigan. As investigations into Sanford’s motives continue, officials are seeking search warrants to examine his residence and electronic devices to gain insight into the reasons behind this violent act.
In conclusion, the Community of Grand Blanc Township grapples with the aftermath of this tragic event, as residents come together to mourn the lives lost and support those injured in this devastating attack during what should have been a day of worship.
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Additional Resources
- Al Jazeera: Shooting at Mormon Church in Michigan
- Wikipedia: Shooting
- CNN: Michigan Church Shooting Live Updates
- Google Search: Michigan Church Shooting
- AP News: Michigan Church Shooting
- Google Scholar: Michigan Church Shooting
- NBC News: Live Updates on Michigan Church Shooting
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Shooting
- USA Today: Grand Blanc Michigan Church Shooting
- Google News: Grand Blanc Michigan Church Shooting
Author: STAFF HERE DETROITMI WRITER
DETROIT STAFF WRITER The DETROIT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDetroitMI.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Detroit, Wayne County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Movement Electronic Music Festival, Detroit Grand Prix, and America's Thanksgiving Parade. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Detroit Regional Chamber and Focus HOPE, plus leading businesses in automotive and healthcare that power the local economy such as General Motors, Ford Motor Company, and Henry Ford Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
