Shooting and Fire Devastates Church of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc Township
(Crystal A. Proxmire, Sept. 28, 2025)
Grand Blanc, MI – A gunman identified by police as Thomas Jacob Sanford, a 40 year old from Burton, drove his truck through the entrance of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc Township. He began shooting at worshipers, killing at least two and wounding at least eight according to police. A fire began during the shooting, which police say was set by the assailant.
Sanford exchanged gunfire with police and was fatally shot.
The fire grew to significant proportions, and police say they may find more victims in the rubble of the fire.
The attack happened shortly before 10:30 am Sunday, where about 150 people were attending service. Police searched the suspect’s home with the aid of the Michigan State Police Bomb Squad. Police say the man was an Iraqi War combat veteran.
Grand Blanc Twp Police Chief William Renye told reporters, “I know that our community is hurting right now, and we want to provide some resources for our community moving forward.” He shared that on Monday and Tuesday officials would be at Grand Blanc Athletic Club, and the rest of the week at Grand Blanc Senior Center to provide support and resources for community members.
Senator Elissa Slotkin issued a statement, saying “We all grieve with the families and friends of those killed. They are feeling the shock and pain of such a senseless act of violence. And we pray for the injured survivors fighting to recover at this moment. Deep thanks to our police, fire, first responders and hospital staff from Grand Blanc and far beyond who had to deal with both the shooting and a serious fire, and leading during an extreme and complicated crisis.”
This story will be updated as more information becomes available.
(image, malkowski6april via storyful)
