Gunman attacks church in Grand Blanc, Michigan, killing two and injuring eight
- The suspect, Thomas Jacob Sanford, initiated the attack by crashing his vehicle into the church before opening fire.
- At least two fatalities and eight injuries were reported following the shooting incident.
- The attack has heightened concerns about the safety of places of worship, coinciding with recent national trends of violence in such spaces.
In Grand Blanc Township, Michigan, a tragic incident occurred involving a shooting at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on the morning of September 28, 2025. Police authorities reported that during the attack, Thomas Jacob Sanford, a 40-year-old man from Burton, Michigan, opened fire on congregants after crashing his vehicle into the church. At least two individuals lost their lives, while the number of injured skyrocketed to eight, with one victim in critical condition. The chaos was compounded by a fire that the suspect allegedly set, leading to concerns about those trapped inside the burning structure. Emergency responders quickly arrived, neutralizing the shooter within just ten minutes of the initial call, which came in shortly after 10:25 AM. Investigations began immediately, with police emphasizing the importance of gathering witness statements from the many people present during the horrifying event. The urgency of their work was highlighted by the fact that many congregants were still in the building when the fire spread, putting lives at risk. The police chief reported that they believe the fire was deliberately started by Sanford, adding a layer of complexity to the ongoing investigation. Firefighters extinguished the blaze, but investigators remain focused on understanding the timeline and the exact logistics surrounding the shooting and fire. This tragic event drew immediate media attention, given the recent turmoil surrounding attacks on places of worship in the United States. In addition, this incident occurred a day after the passing of Russell M. Nelson, the president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The timing of this violent act sparks concern and sadness within the community, as congregants were grieving the loss of their leader. Local law enforcement is committed to ensuring the safety of the community moving forward and will provide further updates as new information arises about the investigation.