At least four people were killed and eight others injured when a gunman attacked a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints chapel in Grand Blanc Township, Michigan, on Sunday, September 28, 2025. The suspect, identified as Thomas Jacob Sanford, 40, was shot and killed by police officers who responded to the scene within eight minutes of the initial emergency call.
Grand Blanc Township Police Chief William Renye said Sanford drove a vehicle through the front door of the church during Sunday morning worship services, then exited and began firing an assault rifle at the hundreds of congregants inside. The attack occurred during a packed service, with witnesses describing scenes of chaos as parishioners sought shelter from the gunfire.
Following the shooting, Sanford set fire to the building using what investigators believe was gasoline as an accelerant. The FBI is investigating the attack as an act of targeted violence, though officials have not determined a motive for the assault on the church located about 60 miles northwest of Detroit.
Two victims initially died from gunshot wounds at the scene, while police later discovered two additional bodies in the charred remains of the building after the fire was extinguished. All four deceased victims died from gunshot wounds rather than the fire, according to Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Special Agent James Dier.
Eight patients ranging in age from six to 78 were transported to Henry Ford Genesys Hospital. Five suffered gunshot wounds while three were treated for smoke inhalation. Two patients remained in critical condition as of Monday, according to Dr. Michael Danic, the hospital’s chief of staff. A six-year-old child who was shot was stabilized and released.
Investigators discovered improvised explosive devices in Sanford’s vehicle, which Dier described as consumer fireworks taped together along with consumer-grade smoke machines. None of the devices detonated during the attack. Officials also found a four-door pickup truck with two American flags displayed in the truck bed at the scene.
Sanford served as a Marine Corps veteran who was deployed to Iraq, according to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt. FBI agents have interviewed more than 100 witnesses and victims in the 24 hours following the attack, with Acting Special Agent in Charge Reuben Coleman indicating that investigative teams worked through the night pursuing leads from the public.
In an exclusive statement to NBC News, Sanford’s family expressed devastation over their son’s actions. His father, Thomas Sanford, described the suspect as a loving father and husband, with the family indicating they had no answers for the attack. Thomas Sanford said, “We are completely in shock over this.”
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer condemned the violence and called for patience as investigators work to establish a motive. She warned against speculation about the attack, emphasizing that such rhetoric could be dangerous. Whitmer noted that Michigan residents have experienced shootings at schools, stores, parades, festivals and houses of worship in recent years.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints issued a statement confirming the attack occurred during worship services and expressing gratitude for emergency responders. The organization emphasized that places of worship should serve as sanctuaries of peace and prayer, extending prayers for healing to all those affected by the violence.
Several medical residents who were members of the church and present during the attack later treated their fellow congregants at the hospital. Dr. Danic described the experience as traumatic for the medical staff, who served as both victims and first responders while caring for friends and family members.
President Donald Trump called the attack a targeted assault on Christians in America and indicated he had been briefed on the investigation. Attorney General Pam Bondi described the violence at the place of worship as heartbreaking and chilling in social media posts following the incident.
The attack represents the 324th mass shooting in the United States in 2025, according to the Gun Violence Archive, and occurred during a particularly violent weekend that saw multiple mass shootings across the country. Officials completed their search of the destroyed church building on Monday, with all missing persons now accounted for, though evidence collection continues in the rubble.
Grand Blanc, with a population of approximately 7,700 people, had never experienced such a large-scale violent incident. The church building was declared a total loss due to the fire damage, and authorities continue examining Sanford’s property and phone records as the investigation proceeds.
Sources:
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ceq2vd15glwo
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/live-blog/michigan-church-shooting-live-updates-rcna234368
https://www.cnn.com/us/live-news/church-shooting-fire-michigan-09-29-25
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/sep/29/first-thing-at-least-four-dead-and-eight-injured-after-shooting-at-mormon-church-in-michigan
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/9/28/multiple-people-injured-in-shooting-at-a-mormon-church-in-michigan-police