- At least four people were killed and others injured after a gunman rammed his vehicle into a Grand Blanc Township church and then opened fire
- Police said they killed the suspect in a shootout at the scene
- The investigation continued as police, including a bomb unit, surround the suspect’s home in nearby Burton
GRAND BLANC TOWNSHIP — A Michigan community mourned Sunday after a gunman rammed his truck into the front doors of a church, opened fire on the congregants and set the building on fire, killing at least four and injuring several others before police killed him in a shootout at the scene.
As of 8 p.m., more than nine hours after the shooting, authorities had not yet finished searching the fire-damaged Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, according to Police Chief William Renye. Some people believed to be in the building earlier were not yet accounted for, he said.
“We’re working tirelessly to find additional bodies,” Renye said in a news conference. The church is “a total loss due to the fire. So these first responders right now, they’re in recovery mode. They’re trying to fight through all the debris from the fire.”
As of Sunday afternoon, seven people were in stable condition at a local hospital, while one was in critical condition. Authorities did not give an update on those victims Sunday night.
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims of this incident that could have been completely avoided,” Renye said. “It’s very tragic, and that’s not what our community is.”
Local, state and federal authorities said local responders were on scene within 30 seconds of the original 911 call and killed the shooter within eight minutes in the back parking lot of the church.
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Authorities said the shooter drove his truck into the church, got out of the vehicle and began shooting, killing two and injuring eight others. Two other people were found dead in the remains of the fire.
He used an accelerant — believed to be gasoline — to light the church on fire, said James Deir, a special agent with the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Authorities recovered some “suspected explosives,” but it’s not clear if they were used to initiate the blaze, Deir said.
Reuben Coleman, acting special agent in charge of FBI Detroit Field Office, said the federal agency is now leading the investigation, which is being considered “an act of targeted violence.”
‘Heartbroken’
Grand Blanc, a relatively affluent suburb about 10 miles southeast of Flint, was grappling with the tragedy on Sunday.
The community is “heartbroken” over the violence, said Township Supervisor Scott Bennett.
“We’re going to do everything we can to support the families, the victims and our community getting through this situation,” he said. “It’s something that no community ever wants to have.”
Renye said services to aid the grieving community would be available at the Henry Ford Genesys Health Club, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday and Tuesday. Those services will move to the Grand Blanc Senior Center Wednesday through Friday.
Details on those services were unavailable Sunday.
Grand Blanc will “overcome” the “tragic incident,” Renye said Sunday night. He praised the “heroism of not only the first responders, but the people who were inside that church at the time.”
“They were shielding the children who were also present within the church, moving them to safety. Just hundreds of people just practicing their faith. Just extreme courage. Brave. And that’s the type of community that we are.”
Shooter identified
Earlier Sunday, Renye identified the suspect as Thomas Jacob Sanford, 40, of nearby Burton. Online records showed Sanford, an Iraq War veteran, had owned a small brick home there since 2016.
As of Sunday evening, law enforcement had not publicly identified any of the victims.
Police were still trying to determine a motive Sunday evening. Records indicate that the man would have had to pass several churches on the way from his home to get to the Mormon church.
State police blocked off the section of Atherton Road near Sanford’s listed address for hours on Sunday. A bomb squad unit and other law enforcement continued to investigate the property and surrounding area as of 8:45 p.m.
Michigan State Police Specialist Lt. Kim Vetter said any potential motives at this stage are “a speculation, and we won’t come to those types of conclusions for some time.”
“We’re honestly shocked that it would be someone from our community,” said Pastor Jerome Taylor of Eastgate Baptist Church near Sanford’s home. “Our hearts really just go out to the community, to our city over the needless violence.”
Officials respond
Politicians from across the state and country issued statements condemning violence and offering support for the community. President Donald Trump said on social media “THIS EPIDEMIC OF VIOLENCE IN OUR COUNTRY MUST END IMMEDIATELY!”
“Violence anywhere, especially in a place of worship, is unacceptable,” Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said in a statement posted on X.
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints spokesperson Doug Andersen said church leaders are “deeply grateful for the outpouring of prayers and concern from so many people around the world. In moments of sorrow and uncertainty, we find strength and comfort through our faith in Jesus Christ.”
Henry Ford Genesys Hospital in Grand Blanc is caring for the victims injured in the shooting and fire, a Henry Ford Health spokesperson told Bridge in a statement.
The hospital had been on lockdown as police responded to the church, located about 2 miles northeast of the medical facility.
“Our hearts go out to our patients, their families, and the community — including the people worshipping when the tragic act of violence occurred,” the spokesperson said.
Counselors and spiritual care are available for both patients and hospital employees, the spokesperson said.
‘Why is this happening?’
Nurses at the hospital are on strike.
At her Grand Blanc home, striking nurse Shiann Martinus began to pray as family members — medics and police officers — were called to the scene. She’d thrown on her scrubs for the picket line this day around Henry Ford Genesys Hospital, but instead of flip-flops, she now slipped on sneakers.
She’d go to the hospital if needed. Respond to the bloodshed.
“It’s what we do,” the ER nurse said.
Meanwhile, ambulances were screaming by nurses who were holding round-the-clock picket lines as thick smoke drifted through the sky.
The nurses grabbed markers and poster boards, replacing strike signs.
“Pray for our community,” Kelly Nevville wrote on a blank white board, drawing a broken heart.
Martinus, at her closet back home, turned to God.
“I just prayed for the families. I prayed for the doctors. I prayed for peace,” she said. “Today – this isn’t about us anymore.”
Standing at a picket line hours later, her voice began to break.
“I prayed to keep them all safe,” she said. “I prayed for healing. Why is this happening?”
Deirdra Cheatham-Wooten, an ICU nurse, had already planned a prayer vigil for the day to “invite God” into the standoff between the hospital and striking nurses.
She stood in her blue cape and white tights — the uniform of the nurse’s honor guard. Nurses strolled by and hugged her.
“This will still be a place of peace,” she said, of the community and of the church.
Bridge Michigan reporters Paula Gardner and Eli Newman contributed to this report.
FBI personnel are responding to Grand Blanc, MI to provide any requested support necessary.
— Dan Bongino (@FBIDDBongino) September 28, 2025
I am receiving briefings about what appears to be a horrific shooting and fire at an LDS church in Grand Blanc, Michigan. @FBI and @ATFHQ agents are en route to the scene now.
— Attorney General Pamela Bondi (@AGPamBondi) September 28, 2025
Such violence at a place of worship is heartbreaking and chilling. Please join me in praying for the…
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