GRAND BLANC TOWNSHIP, MI — A devastating attack occurred this morning at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc Township, Michigan, during a Sunday service attended by hundreds of congregants.
At approximately 10:25 a.m. EDT, 40-year-old Thomas Jacob Sanford from nearby Burton drove a pickup truck through the church's front doors and opened fire with an assault rifle. The gunfire resulted in at least two fatalities and eight injuries. Sanford was subsequently engaged and fatally shot by responding police officers. Authorities believe he also deliberately set the church on fire before the officers arrived reported Reuters.
The fire, which broke out shortly after the shooting, caused significant damage to the building. Firefighters worked diligently to extinguish the blaze, and by early afternoon, the fire had been contained. Authorities are continuing to search the premises for any additional victims who may have been trapped or injured during the incident according to The Washington Post.
The motive behind Sanford's actions remains unclear. Investigators are examining his residence and electronic communications as part of their inquiry. The FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) have deployed over 100 agents to assist in the investigation.
In the wake of the tragedy, local and national leaders have expressed their condolences. Governor Gretchen Whitmer described her heart as "breaking for the Grand Blanc community," while President Donald Trump condemned the violence, calling it "horrendous" and suggesting it may have been a targeted attack against Christians.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints issued a statement expressing sorrow over the incident and urging prayers and community support during this challenging time.
This tragic event marks the 324th mass shooting in the United States in 2025, according to the Gun Violence Archive.
Authorities continue to investigate the incident, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.