A routine Sunday service in Grand Blanc Township, Michigan, descended into chaos when a gunman drove a pickup truck into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, opened fire on congregants, and set the building ablaze. Police confirmed that at least four people were killed and eight others injured before responding officers shot and killed the suspect. Flames and smoke engulfed the church for hours, leaving first responders to comb through the debris for additional victims.Police Chief William Renye said the suspect “got out of the four-door pickup with two American flags in the truck and started shooting.” James Deir, Special Agent in Charge of the ATF Detroit Field Division, added that the gunman had used gasoline to start the fire and possessed suspected explosive devices, though it remains unclear if they were deployed.
What we know about the shooter
Authorities have identified the shooter as 40-year-old Thomas Jacob Sanford of nearby Burton, Michigan, who graduated from a local high school in 2004 and served in the Marines from 2004 to 2008. A Marine Corps spokesperson told CNN that Sanford worked as a mechanic and vehicle recovery operator and was deployed for a year during Operation Iraqi Freedom.Ryan Lopez, a former classmate, described Sanford as a typical “country kid” who enjoyed hunting geese, turkey, and deer. “He was happy to see me, he just seemed normal,” Lopez said. Another former neighbour, Randy Thronson, recalled that Sanford “seemed like a nice guy” who would plow driveways for free during winter.Sanford had also faced personal challenges. CNN reported that he and his wife had a young son born with Congenital Hyperinsulinism, a rare genetic disorder requiring multiple surgeries. Family posts on Facebook highlighted the strain of his child’s medical care, with Sanford reportedly taking leave from work at Coca-Cola to provide support. “Don’t ever take having healthy kids for granted,” Sanford once wrote.
How the shooting unfolded
The attack occurred around 10.25am, with authorities saying officers arrived within 30 seconds of a 911 call and neutralised Sanford about eight minutes later. “Some people inside the church were shielding children and moving them to safety,” Chief Renye said. Two victims died from gunshot wounds, while two more were found later amid the fire-damaged church. Michigan State Police Lt. Kim Vetter said that bomb threats were reported at other churches in the area after the shooting, though none were found.The FBI has launched a full investigation, with Special Agent Ruben Coleman calling the attack an “act of targeted violence”. Police have not yet determined a motive or whether Sanford was a member of the church.
Community in Shock
The shooting occurred the day after Russell M. Nelson, the oldest-ever president of the faith, died at 101. Doug Anderson, a church spokesperson, said: “Places of worship are meant to be sanctuaries of peacemaking, prayer and connection. We pray for peace and healing for all involved.”Neighbours and local residents expressed disbelief. Brad Schneemann, living about 400 yards from the church, said he heard “two rounds of four to five shots” before venturing out to assess the situation. Timothy Jones, a member of another nearby ward, described the fear that swept through the faith community: “Sundays are supposed to be a time of peace and a time of reflection and worship… a shooting feels inevitable, and all the more tragic because of that.”Around 100 people attended a prayer service at The River Church in Grand Blanc later that evening, reflecting on the tragedy and asking for healing. Pastor Chuck Lindsey said: “We’re exhausted by the evil, we’re exhausted by these things. But Lord, you are our refuge.”
‘Epidemic of violence’: Trump
The attack is the latest in a series of mass shootings at houses of worship in the U.S. over the past two decades, and came less than 24 hours after another mass shooting in North Carolina, also allegedly involving an Iraq war veteran. President Donald Trump commented on social media, writing: “PRAY for the victims, and their families. THIS EPIDEMIC OF VIOLENCE IN OUR COUNTRY MUST END, IMMEDIATELY!” Local authorities confirmed that the FBI is sending 100 agents to Grand Blanc Township to assist in the investigation.Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer said: “Violence anywhere, especially in a place of worship, is unacceptable,” while Mayor John Creasey of Grand Blanc noted the community-wide impact: “This sort of thing is painful for our entire community.” First responders and nearby hospital staff were commended for their quick action, with Teamsters Local 332 President Dan Glass noting: “Human lives matter more than our labor dispute.”
