Authorities are investigating a deadly assault at a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints congregation in Grand Blanc, Michigan, where a gunman killed at least four people and injured eight more on Sunday morning.
Violent Rampage
Police say 40-year-old Thomas Jacob Sanford rammed his truck through the church’s front doors, opened fire on worshippers, and set the building ablaze. He was killed during an exchange of gunfire with responding officers.
Casualties and Damage
Officials confirmed that one victim died on scene from gunfire, another at the hospital, and two others were found dead in the fire’s aftermath. Eight people remain hospitalized—seven in stable condition and one critical. The chapel is considered a total loss.
Investigation Underway
The FBI, with more than 100 agents on site, is leading the probe and treating the incident as “targeted violence.” Detectives are exploring whether the attack was linked to recent threats or the death of LDS Church President Russell M. Nelson a day earlier.
Suspect’s Background
Sanford, a Marine Corps veteran who served in Iraq from 2004 to 2008 and reached the rank of sergeant, had no immediately known ties to the church. Investigators are working to determine a motive.
National Response
President Donald Trump called the shooting “another targeted attack on Christians” and urged prayers for victims. Vice President JD Vance and Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer expressed condolences, with Whitmer condemning violence in places of worship and praising first responders.
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