Tragic Shooting at Michigan Church Claims Multiple Lives

News Summary

A shocking shooting incident at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc Township, Michigan, left five dead and eight injured. Thomas Jacob Sanford, a former U.S. Marine, was identified as the gunman, who committed the attack before setting the church ablaze. The community mourns the victims, while investigations continue to uncover the motive behind this tragic event. Families affected have initiated fundraising efforts to assist with expenses, and local authorities remain on high alert due to subsequent threats.

Grand Blanc Township, Michigan – Thomas Jacob Sanford, a 40-year-old former U.S. Marine, has been identified as the gunman responsible for a deadly shooting at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Sunday morning, September 28, 2025. The attack resulted in the deaths of at least five people, including Sanford himself, and left at least eight others injured. Authorities fear that more victims may be discovered amid the remains of the church, which was set ablaze following the shooting.

The alarming incident took place around 10:25 AM local time, when police received reports of gunfire. Officers arrived mere seconds later, neutralizing Sanford by 10:33 AM in the church parking lot. The suspect had driven a pickup truck through the church’s front doors before using an assault rifle to open fire on the congregation. Following the shooting, he reportedly used gasoline to ignite the structure, causing extensive damage.

Sanford’s pickup truck was noted to have American flags displayed in the rear, a detail that drew attention in the aftermath of the violence. The FBI is now leading the investigation into what they deem an act of targeted violence; however, a motive for the shooting remains unclear. Other bomb threats have been reported in the area following the attack, prompting local law enforcement to urge residents to stay vigilant.

Authorities have confirmed the identification of the victims, who ranged in age from 6 to 78 years old. The deceased have been named as Thelma Amstrong, John Bond, Pat Howard, and Craig Hayden. Families of the victims have initiated GoFundMe accounts to help cover funeral expenses and medical bills for those injured in the attack.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan expressed her sorrow over the tragic event and called for caution against speculation as investigations continue. The Grand Blanc community, home to around 30,000 residents and located about 50 miles north of Detroit, is in mourning and has begun planning a gathering to support those affected by the tragedy. A Victim Compassion Fund has also been established to aid the victims and their families.

Sanford, who hailed from the nearby town of Burton, Michigan, served in the Marine Corps from June 2004 to June 2008, achieving the rank of sergeant. He was awarded multiple service medals including the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal. Reports indicate that he may have experienced personal struggles leading up to the incident, shocking his family and those who knew him.

The investigation is ongoing, with the FBI and local authorities actively examining the scene for potential evidence. Suspicious devices fit for explosives were discovered, but it remains uncertain if they were part of the attack. As the community grapples with the fallout of this violent event, emergency response teams are on high alert, given recent bomb threats and the heightened need for security in the area. This harrowing incident has left many residents wondering about their safety and the motivations behind such a senseless act of violence.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

• NBC News: Thomas Jacob Sanford Identified
• Wikipedia: Michigan Church Shooting 2025
• Detroit Free Press: Michigan Church Shooting Victims
• Google Search: Grand Blanc Michigan Church Shooting
• WXYZ: Update on Grand Blanc Church Attack
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Michigan Church Shooting
• New York Times: Michigan Mormon Church Shooting Fire
• Google News: Michigan Church Shooting 2025
• Deseret News: Grand Blanc Shooting Victims Identified
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