On the morning of September 28, 2025, a deadly attack unfolded at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc Township, Michigan. Hundreds of worshippers were gathered for Sunday service when a man identified as Thomas Jacob Sanford drove a pickup truck through the church’s front entrance. After crashing into the building, Sanford exited the vehicle and began firing an assault-style rifle at congregants. Authorities reported that four people were killed and eight others were injured. One victim died at the scene, another succumbed to injuries at the hospital, and two others were found deceased inside the church after a fire broke out. Seven of the wounded were listed in stable condition, while one remained in critical condition.

Sanford, a 40-year-old resident of Burton, Michigan, was killed in a shootout with law enforcement officers shortly after the attack began. Police said he was pursued by two officers—one from the Grand Blanc Township Police Department and another from the Department of Natural Resources—who engaged him in gunfire in the church parking lot. Investigators believe Sanford deliberately set the building on fire using gasoline as an accelerant. The blaze caused extensive damage, rendering the church a total loss. Emergency crews continued to search the wreckage for additional victims and evidence.

Sanford served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 2004 to 2008, including a combat deployment to Iraq in 2007. He held the rank of sergeant and specialized in vehicle maintenance and recovery. His background includes standard service commendations such as the Iraq Campaign Medal and the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal. Public records indicate he graduated from Goodrich High School and had a child born with a rare medical condition. He later married in 2016.

Authorities discovered three improvised explosive devices in Sanford’s vehicle and conducted a search of his residence for additional materials. The FBI is leading the investigation and has classified the incident as an act of targeted violence. More than 100 federal agents have been assigned to the case. Officials have not released a motive, and it remains unclear whether Sanford had any personal connection to the church or its members.

The attack occurred one day after the death of Russell M. Nelson, the 101-year-old president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, prompting investigators to examine any possible links. Local and national leaders responded to the tragedy, with President Donald Trump and Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer issuing public statements. Trump described the incident as a targeted attack on Christians and pledged federal support for the investigation. Whitmer expressed condolences and condemned violence in places of worship.

Sources: CNN, Fox News, ABC 6, Daily Mail, MSN.