A Sunday morning that began like any other in Grand Blanc Township, Michigan, was shattered by an act of violence that has left a community reeling and searching for answers. At 10:25 a.m. on September 28, 2025, a 40-year-old man named Thomas Jacob Sanford from nearby Burton drove his vehicle through the front doors of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, about 50 miles north of Detroit. What followed was a harrowing sequence of events that would claim at least three lives, injure many more, and leave a place of worship scarred by both gunfire and flames.
According to statements from Grand Blanc Township Police Chief William Renye, Sanford exited his vehicle and immediately began firing several rounds at individuals inside the church. The chaos that ensued resulted in 11 people being shot, including Sanford himself. Officers from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Grand Blanc Township police, along with support from the Michigan State Police, Oakland County Sheriff’s Office, and Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, responded swiftly to the emergency. Within minutes, officers engaged Sanford in an exchange of gunfire, ultimately neutralizing him in the church parking lot by 10:33 a.m.
"He then exited his vehicle, firing several rounds at individuals within the church. Ten gunshot victims have been transported to local hospitals at this time, including one who has been deceased," Renye told reporters, as cited by Michigan Advance. The police chief later confirmed that seven of the victims were in stable condition, while one remained in critical condition as of Sunday afternoon.
But the violence did not end with the shooting. As local officials and first responders rushed to the scene, a fire broke out within the church building. Investigators believe the blaze was deliberately set by the shooter in the midst of the attack, compounding the devastation. Images captured by local and national media showed firefighters and law enforcement working side by side to contain the fire and secure the area, while emergency medical teams treated the wounded and transported them to nearby hospitals.
Henry Ford Genesys Hospital, one of the facilities caring for the injured, released a statement expressing solidarity with those affected. "Our hearts go out to our patients, their families, and the community – including the people worshipping when the tragic act of violence occurred," a hospital spokesperson said, as reported by the BBC. The hospital confirmed that nine people were receiving medical attention related to the incident.
The impact of the attack was felt not only by those directly involved but by the entire Grand Blanc community, a township of about 39,000 residents just south of Flint. Community support services were quickly established, with staff available at the Grand Blanc Township Police Department and at a local athletic club to provide counseling and assistance to those in need.
As the investigation unfolded, federal authorities joined local law enforcement in their efforts. FBI Director Kash Patel announced that the bureau was monitoring reports of the "horrific shooting and fire" and had deployed 100 agents to assist with the investigation. "Violence in a place of worship is a cowardly and criminal act," Patel stated. "Our prayers are with the victims and their families during this terrible tragedy."
The federal response was echoed at the highest levels of government. President Donald Trump called the attack "horrendous" in a social media post and confirmed that the FBI would be leading the federal investigation. "This appears to be yet another targeted attack on Christians in the United States of America," Trump stated, adding, "THIS EPIDEMIC OF VIOLENCE IN OUR COUNTRY MUST END, IMMEDIATELY!"
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer also voiced her heartbreak for the Grand Blanc community, emphasizing the particular horror of violence in a place meant for peace. "Violence anywhere, especially in a place of worship, is unacceptable," Whitmer said in a statement. "I am grateful for the first responders who took action quickly." Her office pledged to continue monitoring the situation and to support the affected congregation.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, based in Salt Lake City, issued a statement through spokesperson Doug Andersen, reflecting the sorrow and solidarity felt by members worldwide. "We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of prayers and concern from so many people around the world. In moments of sorrow and uncertainty, we find strength and comfort through our faith in Jesus Christ. Places of worship are meant to be sanctuaries of peacemaking, prayer and connection. We pray for peace and healing for all involved," Andersen said.
The timing of the tragedy added another layer of grief. The shooting occurred less than 24 hours after the death of the church’s president, Russell M. Nelson, who passed away on September 27 at the age of 101. President Nelson, remembered as "sharp and engaged in service up until the end" by President Trump, was a revered figure within the Latter-day Saint community and beyond, survived by his wife Wendy, eight of his ten children, 57 grandchildren, and more than 167 great-grandchildren.
The Grand Blanc incident is not the first time Michigan has faced violence in a place of worship this year. In June, a man wearing tactical gear and carrying multiple firearms entered CrossPointe Community Church in Wayne, Michigan, before being fatally shot by church security. That incident, like Sunday’s attack, left congregants and citizens unsettled and searching for ways to make their sacred spaces safer.
Despite the swift and coordinated response from law enforcement and emergency services, questions remain about the motive behind Sanford’s actions. As of Sunday evening, officials had not released any information regarding what may have prompted the attack. Police Chief Renye acknowledged the pain and uncertainty gripping the community, stating, "The community is hurting right now." He encouraged residents to seek support and assured them that authorities would continue to provide updates as the investigation progressed.
For many in Grand Blanc Township and beyond, the events of September 28 serve as a stark reminder of the fragility of peace, even in spaces meant for sanctuary and solace. Yet, amid the shock and sorrow, the outpouring of support—from neighbors, faith leaders, government officials, and strangers across the globe—has offered a glimmer of hope. As the investigation continues and the community begins to heal, the resolve to uphold the sanctity of places of worship and support those affected remains unwavering.
In the aftermath of tragedy, Grand Blanc’s resilience and unity will be tested, but the spirit of compassion and faith that has defined this community endures.
