Chaos Strikes a Michigan Church
A peaceful Sunday service in Grand Blanc, Michigan, erupted into terror when an ex-Marine stormed into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Worshippers fled in panic as the community grappled with shock and disbelief.
The attack occurred on September 28, 2025. Authorities quickly identified the suspect as 40-year-old Thomas Jacob Sanford, a Burton, Michigan resident.
The Rampage
Police said Sanford rammed a truck into the church, opened fire, and deliberately set the building on fire. Fire crews from the township contained the flames within the hour, but the church was destroyed.
Emergency services arrived promptly, including firefighters, local police, Michigan State Police, and FBI agents. The charred remains left investigators cautious as they continued the search.
Emergency personnel, including FBI agents and Michigan State Police, respond to a church shooting and fire in Grand Blanc, Michigan, on September 28, 2025 | Source: Getty Images
Casualties and Injuries
Fox News reported four confirmed deaths: two victims from gunfire and two found after the fire. Seven people sustained injuries and are in stable condition, while one remains critical. CNN noted that some of the injured were children.
Police Chief William Renye warned that more victims might be discovered once the building is fully searched.
“We believe there were people near the fire who could not escape,” Renye said.
The Suspect’s Background
Sanford served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 2004 to 2008, completing multiple combat deployments to Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom. He held roles as an automotive mechanic and vehicle recovery operator and ended his service at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.
Sanford received several military honors, including the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, the Iraq Campaign Medal, and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.
Authorities continue investigating his past while the community struggles to process the horror left behind.
Eyewitness Account
Paula, a church member for nearly 40 years, described the terrifying moments to WXYZ Detroit.
“I heard a loud noise, and the door burst open. We didn’t know whether to take cover. We couldn’t see anyone,” she said.
The building she once worshipped in now lies blackened and broken.
“It’s devastating to lose friends and to see someone do this to our church,” Paula added.
