Deadly Attack in Michigan Mormon Church: At Least Two Killed, Eight Wounded; Suspect Named

Grand Blanc Township, Michigan — September 28, 2025: A mass shooting and subsequent blaze erupted Sunday morning at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc Township, leaving at least two worshippers dead and eight more injured, authorities confirmed. The suspect, identified as 40-year-old Thomas Jacob Sanford, was killed in a gunfight with law enforcement during the incident.

Context and Background

Witnesses say the attack began shortly before 10:30 a.m., when a pickup truck plowed into the front of the church during a service. The assailant then disembarked and opened fire on attendees before setting the building ablaze with what investigators believe was gasoline or a similar accelerant. AP News+2The Guardian+2

Police rapidly responded. Within minutes, a shootout ensued and the suspect was neutralized. Early reports indicated two fatalities, but later searches of the charred structure uncovered additional remains, raising the possible death toll to four in total. Le Monde.fr+3The Guardian+3Reuters+3

Grand Blanc Township Police Chief William Renye said:

“There are some that are unaccounted for.” Reuters+1

Officials with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) stated the suspect likely used gasoline to fuel the fire, and preliminary evidence suggests improvised explosive devices were discovered in the vehicle. Reuters+1 The FBI is treating the incident as an act of targeted violence. AP News+1

Sanford, a former U.S. Marine and Iraq War veteran residing in Burton, Michigan, was quickly identified by investigators. Le Monde.fr+3Reuters+3AP News+3 At this time, authorities have not confirmed a motive or any connection he may have had with the LDS congregation. AP News+2The Guardian+2

What’s Confirmed vs. What’s Alleged

• Confirmed: At least two worshippers died, eight people were wounded (some critically), the suspect died in a confrontation with police, and the church was set on fire. Le Monde.fr+3The Guardian+3AP News+3

• Alleged / Under Investigation: The use of accelerants, presence of explosive devices, motive, whether additional victims remain inside debris, and whether Sanford had any ties to the congregation or planned the assault. Reuters+2AP News+2

Reactions & Community Impact

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer expressed heartbreak, calling the attack “a heartbreaking act against a place of worship.” People.com+2AP News+2
LDS Church officials released a statement praying for healing and supporting cooperation with investigators. AP News+2The Guardian+2
Nearby congregations have increased security and locked down services in response to the attack. AP News+1

Conclusion & Next Steps

Investigators continue to comb through the rubble to locate any additional victims and recover evidence. Federal and state agencies are collaborating to reconstruct the timeline, analyze the suspect’s devices, and establish motive. Legal proceedings will follow, and community leaders are calling for strengthened protections for houses of worship.

In the coming days, investigators may issue warrants for Sanford’s financial, digital, and communications records. The broader social conversation will likely focus on security at religious sites, mental health screening for veterans, and gun policy in America.