Michigan Church Shooting Leaves 3 Dead, 9 Injured

Written by: Keya Gambhir

A Sunday morning worship service turned tragic when a gunman rammed his truck into a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints chapel, opened fire on congregants, and set the building on fire. Authorities have confirmed three people are dead, including the suspect, and nine others were hospitalized in the shocking attack.

Police identified the shooter as 40-year-old Thomas Jacob Sanford of Burton, a Marine veteran who served in Iraq. Investigators said he drove his truck, flying two American flags, into the church on McCandlish Road at around 10:25 a.m. before firing into the crowded chapel. According to Grand Blanc Township Police Chief William Renye, Sanford shot 10 people before engaging in a shootout with officers. He was pronounced dead by 10:33 a.m.

Two of the victims later died in the hospital, while seven remain in stable condition and one is in critical condition. Authorities cautioned that additional victims may be discovered once fire crews can safely search the burned-out structure.

Witnesses described the scene as chaotic and terrifying. Brian Taylor, who was inside the chapel, said the service had just begun when a loud crash shook the building. “We thought it was an accident at first,” he said. But moments later, Taylor saw Sanford armed with a rifle. As Taylor and his wife tried to flee in their car, bullets shattered their windshield, injuring Taylor’s hand with shrapnel.

Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson confirmed Sanford also set the church ablaze. “The shooter is down, we do have multiple victims, the entire church is on fire,” he said shortly after the incident. Photos and videos show the chapel engulfed in flames as emergency crews rushed to contain the blaze.

Authorities quickly launched a search of Sanford’s home in Burton, located about 15 minutes from the church. He is believed to have had a wife and a son, though police have not released information about his connection to the church or a potential motive.

Community and church leaders condemned the violence. In a statement, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints called it “a tragic act of violence” and emphasized that places of worship should be sanctuaries of peace. “We offer thanks to the emergency responders who are assisting victims and families,” the statement read, adding that prayers for healing were being offered around the world.

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer expressed her sorrow on social media, writing, “My heart is breaking for Grand Blanc. Violence in a place of worship is unacceptable, and we will stand with this community.”

National leaders also weighed in. U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi said FBI and ATF agents were deployed to assist the investigation, calling the attack “heartbreaking and chilling.” FBI Director Kash Patel described it as “a cowardly and criminal act.” President Donald Trump, posting on Truth Social, called the incident “horrendous” and urged that “this epidemic of violence in our country must end, immediately.”

The tragedy comes just a day after the death of Russell M. Nelson, the 101-year-old president of the Mormon church, in Salt Lake City. Church officials noted the double blow to members worldwide, who are grieving both their global leader and the victims in Michigan.

As investigators search for a motive, the community is rallying to support survivors and families. Counseling and assistance will be offered from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday and Tuesday at the Genesys Health Club, and later in the week at the Grand Blanc Senior Center. Local hospitals are also coordinating with faith groups to provide care and comfort.

Police Chief Renye said the quick response of officers prevented even greater tragedy. “Our officers were on the scene within seconds, and their actions undoubtedly saved lives,” he said.

Still, for many in Grand Blanc, the attack has left deep wounds. Residents gathered near the site Sunday evening, leaving flowers and prayers outside the charred remains of the chapel. As one churchgoer told reporters, “This is supposed to be a safe place. Now it will never feel the same again.”

Authorities are expected to provide additional updates as the investigation continues. For now, the community mourns, leaning on faith and each other in the wake of unimaginable loss.