Tragedy Strikes Michigan Church
GRAND BLANC TOWNSHIP, Mich. — A peaceful Sunday morning turned tragic when a gunman attacked the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, killing at least five people — including himself — and injuring more than eight others.
Around 10:25 a.m., 40-year-old Thomas Jacob Sanford of Burton drove a truck adorned with U.S. flags into the church doors before opening fire with an assault rifle. He then poured gasoline and set the building on fire. Two victims died in the blaze; others were shot. One person later died at the hospital. Authorities warned more victims may be found in the rubble.
Police responded within 30 seconds of the first 911 call, but the damage was severe. The church’s roof collapsed in the fire. Federal agents from the ATF are now investigating what officials described as a “targeted act of violence.”
Sanford, a Marine veteran who served in Iraq from 2004 to 2008, was fatally shot by police at the scene. He leaves behind a wife and a young son recently diagnosed with a rare illness. A fundraiser for the family had raised $3,000 before the tragedy.
The community is reeling. Families are mourning lives lost in a sacred space meant for peace. Faith leaders condemned the attack, calling it a violation of sanctuary, but praised first responders and urged unity.
As names of victims emerge, residents gather for vigils, committed to healing and honoring those lost. Amid heartbreak, a call for resilience and prevention now echoes across Grand Blanc.
