Four Dead, Others Injured in Grand Blanc Church Incident
At least four people were killed and eight others were wounded in a shocking mass shooting and fire at a chapel of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, commonly called the Mormon Church, in Grand Blanc, Michigan, on Sunday morning. Authorities identified the suspect as 40-year-old Thomas Jacob Sanford, a former U.S. Marine and Iraq war veteran, who deliberately set the building ablaze before engaging law enforcement in a gunfight that ended with his death.
The attack occurred during Sunday services, with hundreds of congregants, including children, inside the church. Police received a call at 10:25 a.m. reporting that a man had driven a vehicle into the building. Sanford then opened fire with an assault rifle, according to Grand Blanc Township police chief William Renye. “The suspect fired several rounds at individuals inside the church,” Renye said. “We believe he also set a fire that quickly grew into a large blaze.”
Law enforcement officers responded within minutes, engaging Sanford in the church parking lot. He was killed at 10:33 a.m., just eight minutes after the shooting began. During the investigation, police discovered three improvised explosive devices in Sanford’s vehicle. The FBI has taken the lead in the investigation, describing the incident as “an act of targeted violence.”
The fire caused significant structural damage, partially collapsing the chapel. Investigators continue to search the debris for additional victims. Survivors described the scene as chaotic and terrifying. Paul Kirby, a church member, told local media, “It’ll hit me later tonight just how close I was to possibly dying,” recalling how congregants ran to escape flames and smoke while helping one another.
Thomas Jacob Sanford had served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 2004 to 2008, including a deployment to al-Fallujah, Iraq. He left the service with the rank of sergeant. After returning to Michigan, Sanford lived in Burton, worked as a truck operator, and became a father to a son, Brantlee, who was born with hyperinsulinism, a rare medical condition affecting insulin production. Social media posts suggest Sanford was an outdoors enthusiast, frequently posting photos of hunting and ice fishing.
The attack came just one day after the death of church president Russell M. Nelson at age 101. Church officials expressed grief over the tragedy and emphasized the sanctity of worship spaces. “Places of worship are meant to be sanctuaries of peacemaking, prayer, and connection,” the church said in a statement. “We pray for peace and healing for all involved.” Leaders from Salt Lake City are expected to provide counseling and support to affected families in Grand Blanc.
Grand Blanc is a small township of roughly 7,700 residents located about 60 miles northwest of Detroit. The sudden violence has left the community in shock. Local officials have coordinated with federal agencies to secure the area and provide immediate assistance for victims and their families.
This shooting represents the 324th mass shooting in the United States in 2025, according to the Gun Violence Archive. It was also the third mass shooting in a single day, following incidents in Southport, North Carolina, and Eagle Pass, Texas. In an unusual coincidence, the North Carolina suspect, like Sanford, was a 40-year-old Marine veteran who had served in Iraq. That attack killed three people and injured five others.
Authorities have emphasized that the discovery of explosive devices in Sanford’s vehicle indicates premeditation. Investigators continue examining his background, social media activity, and potential motives, while coordinating with federal partners to prevent further threats. Law enforcement agencies are also advising the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity.
The Grand Blanc community has responded quickly to support those affected. Congregants and local residents have helped families displaced by the fire and provided emotional support to survivors. Nearby churches and community centers are coordinating resources, including temporary shelter, counseling, and financial assistance. Police have increased patrols in surrounding neighborhoods to ensure safety.
Experts note that attacks on houses of worship are especially devastating because they violate spaces intended for peace, prayer, and community. Dr. Karen Mitchell, a criminologist specializing in mass violence, said, “Incidents like this are intended to shock and terrify communities. Rapid response and coordinated victim support are essential to prevent long-term trauma.”
While investigators work to determine the full extent of Sanford’s plans, the deliberate fire and discovery of explosives underscore the seriousness of the threat. Officials are reviewing potential security measures at public and religious institutions to reduce the risk of similar attacks in the future.
Survivors are coming together to support one another in the wake of the attack. Many have shared their experiences on social media, highlighting acts of courage and community solidarity amid tragedy. Police and emergency responders continue to assess the building and surrounding area to ensure no hazards remain.
The Grand Blanc shooting highlights ongoing concerns about gun violence in the United States. It underscores the challenges law enforcement and communities face in protecting vulnerable spaces, including places of worship, from attacks by armed individuals. Authorities at the local, state, and federal level are working to restore safety and provide healing resources to the affected community.
