Gunman Rams Vehicle into Michigan Church, Opens Fire, Kills Four, Injures Eight in Grand Blanc Township Attack

Tragedy Strikes Grand Blanc Township Church

Grand Blanc Township, Michigan – A peaceful Sunday morning service at a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc Township was shattered on September 28, 2025, when a gunman rammed a vehicle into the building, opened fire, and set the church ablaze. The attack resulted in the deaths of at least four people and left eight others injured. The perpetrator, identified as Thomas Jacob Sanford, 40, of Burton, Michigan, was killed by responding law enforcement officers.

The incident unfolded around 10:25 a.m. EDT at the church located in the 4200 block of McCandlish Road, approximately 50 miles north of Detroit.

Details of the Attack and Heroic Actions

According to Grand Blanc Township Police Chief William Renye, the assailant drove a pickup truck, described as a Chevrolet Silverado Z71 bearing two American flags, through the front doors of the church. He then exited the vehicle and began firing an assault rifle at the hundreds of worshippers gathered inside for Sunday service.

Investigators believe Sanford deliberately set the church on fire using an accelerant, likely gasoline. Flames and smoke were seen pouring from the building for hours before firefighters brought the blaze under control. Authorities also reported finding explosive devices at the scene.

Chief Renye commended the 'extreme courage' of church members who were observed 'shielding children' and 'moving them to safety' amidst the chaos.

Casualties and Law Enforcement Response

The attack claimed the lives of at least four individuals. Two victims died from gunshot wounds, while two additional bodies were later recovered from the burned-out church debris, bringing the total confirmed fatalities to four, excluding the perpetrator. Of the eight people injured, one remains in critical condition, while the other seven are reported to be stable.

Law enforcement's response was swift, with officers arriving on the scene within 30 seconds of the initial 911 call. Two officers, one from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and a Grand Blanc Township police officer, confronted Sanford outside the church. After an exchange of gunfire, Sanford was fatally shot in the church parking lot approximately eight minutes after the attack began.

Investigation Underway

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has taken the lead in the investigation, classifying the incident as an 'act of targeted violence.' The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) is assisting with the investigation into the fire.

Authorities have identified the shooter, Thomas Jacob Sanford, as a 40-year-old former US Marine who served in Iraq from 2004 to 2008. His home in Burton, Michigan, is being searched, and investigators are examining his phone records to determine a motive for the attack. Chief Renye stated that it is currently unknown if Sanford had any connection to the church or its members.

The tragic event occurred the day after the death of Russell M. Nelson, the oldest-ever president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, who passed away at 101. Following the shooting, bomb threats were reported at other churches in the area, though no explosive devices were found.