Michigan Church Shooting: What We Know About the Deadly Attack

Journey Tribune — What should have been a quiet Sunday morning of worship turned into horror when a man drove into a Mormon church, opened fire on congregants, and set the building ablaze. The attack left at least four people dead, eight others injured, and an entire community shaken to its core.

From Worship to Chaos

The attack unfolded just after 9:30 a.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints chapel. Witnesses described a scene of sudden chaos: a vehicle crashed into the building, and the driver immediately began firing at those inside.

The suspect was later identified as 40-year-old Thomas Jacob Sanford, a resident of nearby Burton, Michigan. Authorities say Sanford carried firearms and gasoline, using both to wreak devastation on the congregation.

Grand Blanc Township Police Chief William Renye said that adults in the church acted heroically, shielding children from the gunfire. “Their courage saved lives,” he told reporters in an evening press conference.

Flames and Fear

As panic spread, Sanford poured gasoline and ignited flames inside the church. Within minutes, the building was engulfed in fire, sending thick black smoke into the sky. The once-familiar place of worship became a fiery trap.

Investigators from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) later confirmed that suspected explosive devices were also discovered at the scene.

“We don’t yet know if they were used in starting the fire, but their presence suggests premeditation,” said James Deir of ATF’s Detroit office.

Firefighters battled the blaze, but by nightfall, officials declared the church a total loss. The collapse of the roof and interior made recovery efforts hazardous. “We’re still working tirelessly to find additional victims,” Chief Renye said, noting that parts of the building remained too unstable to search fully.

Police Response

Authorities responded swiftly once the first 911 call was received. Within eight minutes, officers confronted Sanford in the church’s back parking lot. He was killed in a brief exchange of gunfire with police.

Chief Renye praised the rapid response of first responders, saying their actions prevented further bloodshed. Still, the damage was immense. In addition to the confirmed dead, eight others were hospitalized with injuries ranging from gunshot wounds to burns.

Federal Investigation

The FBI has taken over the investigation, describing the incident as an “act of targeted violence.” While officials have not yet disclosed a motive, the attack is being treated as deliberate and carefully planned.

President Donald Trump weighed in on his Truth Social platform, calling the shooting “a targeted attack on Christians.” His statement drew mixed reactions: some praised his acknowledgment of the tragedy, while others criticized the politicization of a still-unfolding investigation.

Ripple Effects and Bomb Threats

As news spread, fear gripped surrounding communities. Michigan State Police reported that several other churches in the region received bomb threats on Sunday afternoon. Those threats were investigated and declared unfounded, but they added to the climate of anxiety and grief.

Lt. Kim Vetter of the state police assured residents that security has been heightened and that officers are working to ensure safety at other places of worship.

“We are taking every threat seriously,” she said.

Voices from the Congregation

For survivors, the memory of the morning is unbearable. One parishioner, who asked not to be named, described the terror: “We heard the crash, and then gunshots. People screamed and ran in every direction. Some of us tried to help the children—there was no time to think. It felt like a nightmare that wouldn’t end.”

Others stood outside in shock as flames consumed their church. The building was more than just a religious space—it was a community hub, a place of weddings, baptisms, potlucks, and shared life. Now, all that remains is rubble and ash.

Searching for Answers

Why Sanford carried out this attack remains unanswered. Investigators are digging into his background, searching for possible motives—whether rooted in ideology, personal grievances, or mental health struggles. His death at the scene means the reasons may never be fully known.

What is certain is the grief left behind. Families are mourning loved ones lost. Survivors are coping with physical injuries and emotional trauma. And a community once united by faith is now bound together in shock and sorrow.

A Long Road Ahead

As recovery efforts continue, local leaders and law enforcement have promised transparency and support. Mental health services are being arranged for survivors and families of victims. Vigils are being planned across Michigan, where residents seek to honor the dead and find strength in solidarity.

“This was more than an attack on a church,” Chief Renye said. “It was an attack on a community, on people who gathered in peace.”

The Michigan church tragedy stands as a grim reminder that even sacred spaces are not immune to violence. While investigators search for answers, the people of Grand Blanc Township face the painful reality of rebuilding both their place of worship and their sense of safety.