A quiet Sunday service in Grand Blanc Township, Michigan, turned into a scene of horror when a man drove a truck into a church, opened fire on worshippers, and set the building ablaze. The attack took place on September 28, 2025, inside the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, leaving the community devastated. Authorities identified the suspect as 40-year-old Thomas Jacob Sanford, an ex-Marine from nearby Burton, whose violent actions have shocked a congregation that had gathered for peace and prayer.
According to officials, four people have been confirmed dead so far — two from gunshot wounds and two who were discovered after the fire. At least eight others were injured, including children, with one person still in critical condition. The church itself has been declared a total loss, and police believe more victims could be found once it is safe to fully search the ruins. Witnesses described moments of panic as the chaos unfolded, with longtime members like Paula, who has attended the church for 40 years, saying she “didn’t know if we were going to make it out.”
Investigators have since revealed Sanford’s military background. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 2004 to 2008, completing combat deployments in Iraq and earning several medals, including the Iraq Campaign Medal. While his record shows honor and discipline, officials are now digging into his past, searching his home, and analyzing his digital devices in an effort to determine what led him to commit such a violent act. For residents of Grand Blanc, the tragedy feels almost impossible to reconcile with the image of a decorated veteran.
National leaders responded swiftly. President Donald Trump called the incident “yet another targeted attack on Christians in the United States” and confirmed that the FBI is leading the investigation alongside state and local police. He urged Americans to pray for the victims and demanded an end to what he described as an “epidemic of violence.” Attorney General Pamela Bondi and Vice President JD Vance echoed his calls for unity and support for the grieving families. As investigators search for answers, the Grand Blanc community is left to mourn its losses and confront the painful reality of violence striking at the heart of a sacred space.