Michigan authorities said Sunday that a gunman identified as Thomas Jacob Sanford, 40, opened fire at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc Township, killing four people and injuring at least eight, before he was shot and killed by police. The FBI took the lead on the investigation and described the incident as "targeted violence," while federal, state and local agencies searched multiple sites across Genesee County. "This act of violence has no place in our state or anywhere else in our country," Reuben Coleman, special agent in charge of the FBI Detroit Field Office, said.
Police Chief William Renye said officers responded within seconds to 911 calls at 10:25 a.m. during services attended by hundreds. Sanford was "neutralized" at 10:33 a.m. in the church parking lot after exchanging gunfire with a Grand Blanc Township officer and a Michigan Department of Natural Resources conservation officer, Renye said. "We're going to find if there was a motive," Chief Renye added.
Fire consumed much of the building after the attack. "All indications on this investigation are the suspect used an accelerant of some sort, we believe gasoline, and lit the church on fire," James Deir, special agent in charge of the ATF's Detroit Field Division, said. During cleanup, authorities discovered two additional bodies in the rubble; earlier, Renye cautioned, "We do believe there were people up there that were near that fire, and they were unable to get out of the church."
Investigators recovered suspected explosive devices near the scene and deployed the Michigan State Police bomb squad to additional locations as precautionary searches unfolded. "We've received 911 calls about bomb threats or other indications that there was a bomb at a different location... and we've responded and cleared those locations," MSP Special Lt. Kim Vetter said. Officials reiterated there was no ongoing threat but urged residents to avoid the area.
By Sunday evening, Henry Ford Genesys Hospital said it had cared for as many as nine people. The health system stated it was fully staffed "and we are grateful to our team members who continue to care for all our patients at Henry Ford Genesys Hospital," adding, "Our hearts go out to our patients, their families, and the community - including the people worshipping when the tragic act of violence occurred."
National and state leaders denounced the attack. President Donald Trump wrote, "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... PRAY for the victims, and their families. THIS EPIDEMIC OF VIOLENCE IN OUR COUNTRY MUST END, IMMEDIATELY!" Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said her "heart was breaking for the Grand Blanc community," adding, "Violence anywhere, especially in a place of worship, is unacceptable." FBI Director Kash Patel said, "Violence in a place of worship is a cowardly and criminal act. Our prayers are with the victims and their families during this terrible tragedy."
Faith leaders and civil-rights groups voiced solidarity. Church spokesman Doug Andersen called it a "tragic act of violence" and thanked first responders: "In moments of sorrow and uncertainty, we find strength and comfort through our faith in Jesus Christ." Rabbi Moshe Hauer of the Orthodox Union said, "The Orthodox Union joins with our dear friends in the Mormon community and with all Americans in mourning the victims of the senseless and horrifying attack," adding, "Our hearts have again been broken, but our resolve is even stronger to stand together with all Americans against hate." CAIR's Edward Ahmed Mitchell said, "We extend our condolences to the families of the victims... we encourage community leaders to review their security precautions," while CAIR-MI's Dawud Walid said, "An attack on a church or any other house of worship is an attack on Americans of all faiths."
Community members described shock as reunification efforts began at a nearby theater. "(It's) surreal, having stuff happen this close to us," said resident Mike Pate. Nicole McDaniel, whose 8-year-old daughter was inside the church, said, "My neighbor just said she heard a big (boom) and she grabbed the girls... She's just very traumatized; she didn't say anything else."
Sanford, a Burton resident and Marine Corps veteran, served from 2004 to 2008 and deployed during Operation Iraqi Freedom, a Marine Corps spokesperson said. Public records and local profiles depict a married father and outdoorsman who once paused his job as a truck driver to support a child's serious medical care. In earlier local coverage, Sanford was quoted saying, "Don't ever take having healthy kids for granted," and, "We are proud of our child. I spent four years in the Marine Corps and was in Iraq and this is still the most unique thing to deal with."
Elected officials across the region echoed grief and calls for action. "To terrorize people in a place of worship, where their hopes are highest and their faith strongest, is particularly sickening and has rocked our entire community," said state Sen. John Cherry. Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald called gun violence "a public health crisis," adding, "But sympathy is not enough. We have an obligation to find solutions to this deadly problem, so that everyone can be safe at church, school, and other public places."
Authorities asked anyone with information to contact the FBI at (800) CALL-FBI, as investigators canvassed additional sites and processed the church remains. Grand Blanc Community Schools announced closures for Monday, while volunteers brought water and service dogs to support families awaiting word.
Key facts (authorities’ Sunday updates):
Fatalities/injured: Four dead; at least eight injured, seven stable and one critical.
Timeline: 10:25 a.m. first 911 calls; suspect “neutralized” at 10:33 a.m., per Chief Renye.
Agencies: FBI (lead), ATF, Michigan State Police, local police and fire.
Hazards: Fire set with suspected gasoline; suspected devices located and cleared.
