Michigan Church Attack: Four Dead, Eight Injured in Shooting and Arson

September 29, 2025 12:38 PM

Michigan Church Attack: Four Dead, Eight Injured in Shooting and Arson

A Sunday service at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc, Michigan, turned into a scene of horror as a gunman drove a vehicle into the building, opened fire, and set the structure ablaze, killing at least four people and injuring eight others. The suspect was fatally shot by police.

Details of the Attack

The attack began at approximately 10:25 local time during a crowded service at the church, located about 60 miles northwest of Detroit.

Attack Method: The gunman first rammed a vehicle into the church. He then exited and began firing an assault-style rifle at the hundreds of attendees. The fire, which engulfed the building and caused extensive damage, was deliberately set using an accelerant, likely gasoline.
Response: Police responded to the 911 call immediately, with officers neutralizing the suspect in the church car park just eight minutes later, at 10:33 local time.
Casualties: The death toll currently stands at four victims. Two died from gunshot wounds, and two more bodies were later recovered from the fire-damaged church. Eight others were hospitalized, with one in critical condition and seven stable. Police Chief William Renye noted that some individuals remain unaccounted for as the search of the destroyed building is ongoing.
Heroism: Chief Renye praised the “heroism” of churchgoers who helped protect and shelter children during the incident.

The Suspect and Investigation

The gunman was identified as Thomas Jacob Sanford, a 40-year-old resident of Burton, Michigan.

Background: Records indicate Sanford was a Marine Corps veteran, having served in Iraq from 2004 to 2008.
Motive: The motive for the violence remains unknown. The FBI is leading the federal investigation, treating the incident as an “act of targeted violence.” Investigators are currently searching the suspect’s property and examining his cell-phone records to determine what prompted the attack.
Other Threats: Michigan State Police confirmed they have responded to and cleared additional bomb threats made at multiple other locations, including churches, in the hours following the shooting.

Reactions and Community Response

Local and national officials condemned the violent attack on a place of worship.

Political Response: President Donald Trump said he had been briefed and stated on Truth Social that it “appears to be yet another targeted attack on Christians in the United States of America.” Governor Gretchen Whitmer condemned the violence as “unacceptable.”
Church Statement: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints confirmed the tragedy, stating, “We pray for peace and healing for all involved.”
Federal Aid: The FBI has deployed approximately 100 agents to assist local authorities with the extensive investigation.