Authorities in Michigan are bracing for a rising death toll after a violent attack on a Mormon church left at least four people dead Sunday morning.
Police say 40-year-old Thomas Jacob Sanford of Burton rammed his truck into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc Township just before 10:30 a.m., then opened fire on worshippers with a rifle. Roughly 150 people were inside at the time. He later set the building on fire using what investigators believe was gasoline, before being shot and killed by police.
Four victims are confirmed dead — two from gunfire, two from the blaze — while seven others are hospitalized in stable condition and one remains in critical condition. Officials fear the toll could climb.
“We do believe that there was people up there that were near that fire, and they were unable to get out of the church,” Grand Blanc Township Police Chief William Renye said. “So we do believe that we will find additional victims once we’re able to search.”
Explosives were also found at the scene, though authorities could not confirm if they were used to ignite the fire. The motive remains under investigation.
The Marine Corps confirmed to Fox News that Sanford was a former Marine sergeant who served from 2004 to 2008 with deployments to Iraq, earning multiple commendations including the Iraq Campaign Medal and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.
President Donald Trump, briefed on the “horrendous” incident, posted on Truth Social: “The FBI was immediately on scene, and will be leading the Federal Investigation, and providing full support to State and Local Officials. The suspect is dead, but there is still a lot to learn. 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!”
Vice President JD Vance also weighed in on X: “Just an awful situation in Michigan. FBI is on the scene and the entire administration is monitoring things.”
Just an awful situation in Michigan. FBI is on the scene and the entire administration is monitoring things.
Say a prayer for the victims and first responders. 🙏
— JD Vance (@JDVance) September 28, 2025
U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi said she was receiving briefings about the “horrific shooting” and fire at the church.
“Such violence at a place of worship is heartbreaking and chilling,” Bondi said in a post on X. “Please join me in praying for the victims of this terrible tragedy.”
I am receiving briefings about what appears to be a horrific shooting and fire at an LDS church in Grand Blanc, Michigan. @FBI and @ATFHQ agents are en route to the scene now.
Such violence at a place of worship is heartbreaking and chilling. Please join me in praying for the…
— Attorney General Pamela Bondi (@AGPamBondi) September 28, 2025
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