Authorities have identified Thomas Jacob Sanford as the gunman behind the deadly shooting at a Michigan Mormon church, which left at least five dead and eight injured. Learn more about this horrific attack.
A tragic mass shooting at a Mormon church in Michigan has left at least five people dead—including the gunman—and more than eight others injured. The horrifying incident also involved a large fire set by the suspect, devastating the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc Township.
The Attack
The shooting occurred on Sunday, September 28, at approximately 10:25 AM local time. The gunman, later identified as Thomas Jacob Sanford, 40, drove a vehicle through the front doors of the church before opening fire with an assault rifle. He then exited the vehicle and continued his attack on individuals attending the Sunday service.
Following the shooting, Sanford deliberately set the building on fire using gasoline, further escalating the horror of the situation. The blaze consumed the church’s roof and caused significant damage.
Gunman Identified as Thomas Jacob Sanford
Thomas Sanford, a former Marine who served between 2004 and 2008, was deployed in Iraq during his military service. According to law enforcement, Sanford was shot and killed by police officers who arrived at the scene within 30 seconds of receiving the first 911 call.
BREAKING from US: A man drove his truck into a Mormon Church in Grand Blanc, Michigan, opened fire on the congregation, and set the church on fire. One person is dead, at least nine injured,& several remain missing with more victims feared. Attacker down pic.twitter.com/zIRFZ1an7p
— Spicy Sonal (@ichkipichki) September 29, 2025
Gunman Rams Truck Into Church in Grand Blanc Township, Michigan, Opens Fire and Sets Building Ablaze
– Four people died and several others were injured.
– The suspect, Thomas Jacob Sanford, 40, was killed by police. pic.twitter.com/nNmknPWnIi
— Spicy Sonal (@ichkipichki) September 29, 2025
Sanford’s motives remain unclear, but law enforcement agencies are investigating the incident. Authorities noted that the gunman’s vehicle displayed two US national flags, though it is not yet known if this had any significance to his actions.
Victims and Aftermath
As the fire was extinguished, authorities confirmed that more bodies were recovered from inside the church. Two additional victims were found inside the building, bringing the death toll to five, including Sanford. Ten gunshot victims were transported to local hospitals, and one of them was later confirmed dead.
At the time of the incident, Grand Blanc Township Chief William Renye provided an update, confirming that multiple victims were involved, though their identities have not yet been publicly released.
Sanford’s Family and Background
Sanford was a husband and father to a young boy who had been diagnosed with congenital hyperinsulinism, a condition that causes the body to produce excess insulin. A GoFundMe page had been set up to assist the family with medical expenses, raising around $3,000 in support.
This tragic event has left the community in shock, and our thoughts and prayers go out to all the victims and their families affected by this senseless act of violence.
