AURAX RADIO - Shooting and Fire at Michigan Church Leaves Two Dead, Several Injured

AURAX RADIO

"Where Sound Lives"

Shooting and Fire at Michigan Church Leaves Two Dead, Several Injured

By Aurax Desk | September 28, 2025

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc, Michigan

A tragic shooting incident occurred on Sunday, September 28, 2025, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc, Michigan, during a morning service attended by over 100 congregants. At approximately 10:25 a.m., a gunman drove a vehicle through the church's front doors and opened fire on the congregation. The assailant, identified as 40-year-old Thomas Jacob Sanford from Burton, Michigan, also set the church ablaze before engaging in a gunfight with responding officers. Sanford was fatally shot by law enforcement at the scene.

The shooting resulted in at least 10 individuals being shot, with two confirmed fatalities—one at the scene and another at the hospital. Eight other victims were hospitalized; seven are in stable condition, while one remains in critical condition. The fire, which reached five alarms, caused a partial collapse of the church building, but firefighters managed to extinguish it by early afternoon.

Authorities, including the FBI and ATF, are investigating the motive behind the attack. At this time, it is unclear whether Sanford had any connection to the church. Investigators are also examining whether the timing of the incident is related to the recent death of Russell M. Nelson, the president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, who passed away on Saturday at the age of 101.

In response to the tragedy, local and national leaders have expressed condolences and pledged support. Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer condemned the violence, emphasizing that places of worship should be sanctuaries of peace. The FBI has assigned over 100 agents to assist in the investigation, and the Church has expressed gratitude for the emergency responders and global outpouring of support.

This incident is part of a broader concern over increasing violence targeting religious institutions in the United States. Experts highlight the need for enhanced security measures at places of worship to protect congregants and uphold the sanctity of religious gatherings.