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By Hollie Silverman and Peter Aitken
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A 40-year-old man identified as Thomas Jacob Sanford rammed 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, according to local law enforcement. The suspect was killed during a shootout with police.
Multiple victims remain trapped inside the church as a fire had spread across the building, with manpower shortages noted as a limiting factor. However, the fire has been contained as of 1 p.m. ET, and rescue operations continue, with more people believed to be trapped inside parts of the church.
On Sunday evening, the police announced the discovery of two more casualties in the building as rescue operations continued into the night. The FBI then announced that it had taken over and opened an investigation into the attack as an act of targeted violence.
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No motive has yet been determined, and authorities urged the public to avoid speculation.
The Context
The nation remains on edge following several high-profile shootings, including the mass shooting at the Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis last month. Two children, aged 8 and 10, were killed in that shooting, and 17 people were injured.
The shooting also occurs a day after the passing of Russell Nelson, who was president of the church from January 2018 until his death. He was 101 years old when he died and is credited with introducing sweeping changes to the church.
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What To Know
In a post on Facebook, the Grand Blanc Township Police Department reported the shooting, which occurred around 10:25 a.m. local time saying the shooter was down and the church was on fire.
During a press conference at 1 p.m. ET, police officials said 10 victims had been taken to the hospital while also confirming that one person had died. A second person later died, and the police said many of the victims remain in critical condition.
The suspect, identified at a 5 p.m. ET press conference as Sanford, a resident of Burton, had rammed his truck through the front doors and purposefully set fire to the building. Sanford opened fire with an assault rifle before trying to flee the scene in his vehicle, during which the police opened fire and killed him. Police are still working to determine motive.
The police announced at an 8 p.m. ET press conference that two more deceased had been discovered, bringing the total victims to four, although only two were victims of gunshots. Police were unable to specify any number of missing people.
The church was declared a "total loss" due to the fire, and rescuers were in "recovery mode." The suspect used an accelerant, believed to be gasoline, to set the fire at the building. There were suspected explosive devices located, but authorities could not say that they were used in the fire.
The FBI took over the investigation as an act of targeted violence, with The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) handling investigations into the fire and potential explosives.
Authorities received some bomb threats for other churches after the suspect died, but those locations had been "cleared" by Sunday night. Authorities would not say the denominations of the churches involved in the bomb threats.
Genesee Township Fire Operations told Newsweek that the fire was at a fifth alarm, with reports of a building collapse and multiple entrapments. The fire quickly spread across the building, almost consuming the entire structure, per Command.
Videos on social media showed large plumes of smoke coming from the church as crews battled the fire.
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A reunification site has been opened in a pavilion north of the scene, while an offsite reunification center will be opened at Trillium theater at Holly and McCandlish, the police said.
According to the church's website, the building is open on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. local time.
What Witnesses Saw
In an interview with Fox 2 Detroit, a witness said that the attack occurred as the congregation started to take sacrament.
He described hearing a loud noise and seeing the front wall of the church had cracked, assuming that some accident had occurred. He said that he saw a truck with American flags on it and hearing someone yell that it had been done on purpose.
Genesee County Fire Operations told Newsweek earlier that reports had indicated the shooter had driven a vehicle into the building. The incident was listed as a vehicle accident initially on the active call sheet for the fire department.
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What People Are Saying
The Church of Latter-Day Saints spokesman Doug Anderson in an emailed statement said: “A tragic act of violence occurred today at a chapel of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc, Michigan. During Sunday worship services a gunman opened fire, and early reports indicate that multiple individuals were injured. We ask for cooperation with local authorities as details become available."
It continued: “The Church is in communication with local law enforcement as the investigation continues and as we receive updates on the condition of those affected. We offer thanks to the emergency responders who are assisting victims and families."
"We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of prayers and concern from so many people around the world. In moments of sorrow and uncertainty, we find strength and comfort through our faith in Jesus Christ. Places of worship are meant to be sanctuaries of peacemaking, prayer and connection. We pray for peace and healing for all involved.”
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer in a statement posted on X: "My heart is breaking for the Grand Blanc community. Violence anywhere, especially in a place of worship, is unacceptable. I am grateful to the first responders who took action quickly. We will continue to monitor this situation and hold the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Grand Blanc close."
President Donald Trump wrote on Truth Social: "I have been briefed on the horrendous shooting that took place at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, in Grand Blanc, Michigan. 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!"
U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi wrote on X: "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 victims of this terrible tragedy."
FBI Director Kash Patel wrote on X: "We are tracking reports of the horrific shooting and fire at an LDS church in Grand Blanc, Michigan. [FBI] agents are on the scene to assist local authorities. 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."
FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino wrote on X: "FBI personnel are responding to Grand Blanc, MI to provide any requested support necessary."
Representative Kristen McDonald Rivet, a Michigan Democrat, said in an email statement: "I am beyond devastated by the shooting this morning at Grand Blanc’s Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Joseph and I are praying for the victims and the entire Grand Blanc community. This kind of violence in a place of worship is despicable.
She continued: "Thank you to the first responders for your brave work to ensure our community’s safety. I urge all residents to avoid the area and give them space to respond to the situation. Our team and I will continue to monitor the situation and be with our neighbors in Grand Blanc as we navigate this tragedy together.”
Representative John James, a Michigan Republican, wrote on X: "Liz and I are absolutely horrified by the initial reports coming out of Grand Blanc. On this Sunday, a day meant for worship and peace, such violence is a grave evil. Our prayers are with the victims, their families, and the entire community. We must remain united in faith and resolve against this darkness."
What Happens Next?
Further updates will be announced at press conferences, with times for those press conferences posted on the Grand Blanc police Facebook page.
Update 9/28/25, 8:15 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with additional information.
Update 9/28/25, 5:05 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with additional information.
Update 9/28/25, 4:38 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with additional information and comment.
Update 9/28/25, 2:29 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with additional information.
Update 9/28/25, 1:36 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with additional information and comment.
Update 9/28/25, 1:23 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with additional information and comment.
Update 9/28/25, 12:58 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with additional information and comment.
Update 9/28/25, 12:03 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with additional information.
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