What began as a quiet Sunday morning in Grand Blanc Township, Michigan, turned into a nightmare no one could have imagined. Worshippers gathered inside the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints were met with chaos when a man stormed into the building, bringing both gunfire and fire that left the community reeling. Authorities have since identified the suspect as 40-year-old Thomas Jacob Sanford, a war veteran whose past struggles are now under scrutiny as investigators search for answers.
According to police, Sanford drove his pickup truck directly into the church doors before unleashing terror inside. Within minutes, the sanctuary filled with smoke and panic as flames spread, forcing worshippers to flee for their lives. Officers arrived quickly and confronted the suspect outside, where he was fatally shot. By then, the damage was done: lives were lost, others were injured, and a house of worship stood in ruins. Officials later confirmed that gasoline was used to accelerate the fire, raising concerns that the attack had been carefully planned.
As the day went on, emergency crews worked tirelessly to put out the blaze and account for those still missing. By nightfall, at least four victims were confirmed dead, while others remained hospitalized. Families gathered nearby, clinging to hope and comforting one another as investigators sifted through the charred remains of the building. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives also reported finding suspicious devices on the scene, though it remains unclear whether they played a role in the fire.
Sanford’s background is now a central focus of the investigation. A former U.S. Marine who once served in Iraq, he was also a father who had faced personal hardships, including caring for a son with serious medical challenges. Neighbors expressed shock at the events, struggling to reconcile the man they thought they knew with the violence that shattered their community. For now, many questions remain unanswered — most importantly, why this tragedy happened at all. As Grand Blanc mourns, residents are left hoping for healing, strength, and clarity in the difficult days ahead.