Tragic Mass Shooting at Grand Blanc Township Church

News Summary

A mass shooting at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc Township, Michigan, on September 28, 2025, resulted in four fatalities and several injuries. The shooter, identified as Thomas Jacob Sanford, drove his vehicle into the church and opened fire on worshippers before igniting a fire inside the building. Local authorities are investigating the incident, while the community mourns the loss and expresses solidarity for the victims and their families.

Grand Blanc Township, Michigan – A mass shooting and fire at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints claimed the lives of at least four individuals and injured several others on Sunday, September 28, 2025. The shooter has been identified as Thomas Jacob Sanford, a 40-year-old man from Burton, Michigan. Witnesses reported that Sanford drove his pickup truck into the church entrance while hundreds of parishioners were inside, before opening fire with an assault rifle.

The shooting began around 10:25 a.m. when Sanford exited his vehicle, which displayed two American flags in the truck bed, and started shooting indiscriminately at congregants. After firing multiple rounds, he allegedly used an accelerant, suspected to be gas, to ignite a fire within the church.

Police Chief William Renye indicated that exchange of gunfire occurred between responding officers and Sanford, resulting in the shooter being fatally shot approximately eight minutes later. In the aftermath, authorities confirmed that two individuals were killed by gunfire, while two additional victims were found within the church’s ruins after the fire was extinguished.

In total, eight people were reported injured, with one individual in critical condition and seven others remaining stable. Investigators are working to determine whether the shooting was linked to the death of Russell M. Nelson, the church’s longtime president, who passed away just a day earlier at the age of 101. The FBI is leading the investigation into this tragic event, classifying it as an act of targeted violence.

Details of the Incident

Local authorities received reports of potential explosive devices at the scene, yet it has not been confirmed whether they were utilized during this incident. Following the shooting, several churches in the area received bomb threats, but no explosives were discovered. The church building suffered extensive damage due to the fire, which continued to smolder long after firefighters responded to the scene.

Residents have been advised to stay clear of the area as search efforts are ongoing to locate any additional victims amongst the debris of the church. In light of this devastating event, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer expressed her sorrow and condemned the violence occurring in places of worship.

Community Response

The local community has come together, holding vigils and prayer services for the victims and their families, with representatives from various faiths expressing their condolences. Nationwide, political figures, including President Donald Trump, have condemned the violence and stressed the urgent need for preventive measures to address similar incidents in the future.

Background of the Shooter

Thomas Jacob Sanford, a former Marine, served from 2004 to 2008 and held the rank of sergeant during his deployment to Iraq. Authorities and the community are now grappling with the motivations behind his violent actions during a time when many were gathered for worship.

This tragic mass shooting has left a mark on Grand Blanc Township, now reflecting on the loss of life and the need for healing and security in the wake of violence. As investigations continue, the focus remains on providing support to those affected and ensuring such incidents do not happen again.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

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