Sunday morning worship in Grand Blanc Township, Michigan, turned into a scene of terror when a gunman drove his truck into a crowded church, opened fire on congregants, and deliberately set the building ablaze. Hundreds of people had gathered at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints when chaos erupted, leaving families and first responders scrambling to save lives. The suspect, later identified as 40-year-old Thomas Jacob Sanford of nearby Burton, was killed in a shootout with responding police, but the devastation left behind is still being processed by the shaken community.
Authorities confirmed that four people lost their lives — two from gunfire and two found after the fire — while eight others were hospitalized, including one in critical condition. The fire, fueled by gasoline according to investigators, caused a partial collapse of the church, leaving the building a total loss. Police believe additional victims may be discovered once it is safe to fully search the site, highlighting the lingering uncertainty surrounding the tragedy. Michigan State Police also reported responding to several bomb threats in the area after the attack, increasing tension and fear across the township.
Sanford, a former U.S. Marine, served from 2004 to 2008 and completed multiple combat deployments in Iraq. He received several military honors, including the Iraq Campaign Medal and the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal. Law enforcement agencies, including the FBI and ATF, are investigating the suspect’s background, motives, and possible prior threats to the church. Officials have not confirmed a connection between the timing of the attack and recent events, such as the death of LDS Church president Russell M. Nelson, but the investigation remains active and ongoing.
The attack prompted immediate responses from national and state leaders. President Donald Trump described it as “yet another targeted attack on Christians in the United States” and called for prayers for the victims and their families. Vice President JD Vance, Attorney General Pam Bondi, and Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer also condemned the violence, emphasizing the need for safety in places of worship. Church leaders expressed gratitude for first responders while reaffirming faith and solidarity. Experts warn that attacks on religious institutions are rising across all faiths, framing this tragedy as part of a broader national concern for the safety of congregations.