A 40-year-old man, identified as Thomas Jacob Sanford, drove his vehicle into the front doors of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc, Michigan, killing two people and injuring eight others before being shot and killed by police, according to local authorities.
Rescue operations stretched throughout the day as a fire spread rapidly inside the building, trapping multiple victims. By Sunday evening, officials confirmed that two additional bodies had been discovered inside, bringing the death toll to four. The FBI later announced it had assumed control of the investigation, calling the assault an act of targeted violence.
Authorities have not released a motive and cautioned the public against speculation.
A Nation on Edge
The incident comes at a time of heightened national concern following a string of violent attacks. Just weeks ago, a mass shooting at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis claimed the lives of two children and injured 17 others.
This attack also occurred a day after the passing of Russell Nelson, who led the LDS Church from January 2018 until his death at age 101. Nelson was widely recognized for ushering in major reforms within the church.
Timeline of the Attack
The Grand Blanc Township Police Department reported the initial shooting on Facebook around 10:25 a.m. local time, confirming the suspect was “down” and the church had caught fire.
At a 1 p.m. ET press conference, officials said ten victims had been taken to area hospitals, with one fatality confirmed at that time. A second death was reported later in the afternoon. By 8 p.m., police confirmed that four people in total had died—two from gunfire, the others from the fire and building collapse.
Sanford, a Burton resident, deliberately rammed his truck into the church and set it ablaze using gasoline. Armed with an assault rifle, he opened fire before attempting to flee, at which point officers shot and killed him. Authorities also located suspected explosive devices, though it remains unclear if they were used.
The building itself was declared a total loss as flames consumed nearly the entire structure. Fire officials said the blaze had reached a fifth alarm, with multiple entrapments reported before the roof collapsed.
FBI Leads Federal Investigation
The FBI confirmed it is treating the incident as targeted violence, while the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) investigates the fire and possible explosives.
Authorities also reported receiving bomb threats targeting other churches in the area after the suspect’s death. By Sunday night, those sites had been cleared.
A reunification site was opened near the scene, with a secondary center established at Trillium Theater on Holly and McCandlish roads.
Witness Accounts
Witnesses described a scene of chaos during morning services. One man told Fox 2 Detroit that as worshippers prepared to take sacrament, a loud crash shook the building. He saw a truck draped with American flags and quickly realized the collision had been intentional.
Early fire reports had initially categorized the incident as a vehicle accident before details of gunfire and arson emerged.
Statements from Leaders
Doug Anderson, a spokesman for the LDS Church, issued a statement calling the attack “a tragic act of violence,” adding that the Church is cooperating fully with investigators.
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer condemned the attack on X, writing that “violence anywhere, especially in a place of worship, is unacceptable.”
President Donald Trump also addressed the tragedy, saying:
“This appears to be yet another targeted attack on Christians in the United States of America. The Trump Administration will keep the public posted, as we always do. In the meantime, PRAY for the victims, and their families. THIS EPIDEMIC OF VIOLENCE IN OUR COUNTRY MUST END, IMMEDIATELY!”
Other federal officials, including U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, FBI Director Kash Patel, and FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino, all released statements expressing grief and pledging support for the ongoing investigation.
Michigan lawmakers also responded. Representative Kristen McDonald Rivet, a Democrat, said in a statement that she was “beyond devastated” by the events, while Republican Representative John James wrote on X that such violence was “a grave evil” on a day meant for worship and peace.
What Comes Next
Authorities will continue providing updates at scheduled press conferences, with times posted on the Grand Blanc Police Department’s Facebook page.
