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Death toll rises to four after Michigan church shooting and arson attack

September 29, 2025

A violent attack occurred at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc, Michigan, when 40-year-old Thomas Jacob Sanford drove a vehicle into the building during Sunday services, opened fire with an assault-style rifle, and started a fire, resulting in at least four deaths and eight injuries. The assailant, a Marine Corps veteran, was killed by police within eight minutes of beginning his rampage, which authorities are investigating as an "act of targeted violence" though the motive remains unclear. The attack caused extensive fire damage to the church building, which was attended by hundreds of people at the time.

Who is affected

  • Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints congregation in Grand Blanc, Michigan
  • The four people killed and eight injured in the attack
  • Hundreds of people attending the church service
  • Children who were sheltered during the attack
  • Unaccounted for individuals mentioned by Police Chief William Renye
  • The broader Mormon/LDS community

What action is being taken

  • FBI is leading the investigation with 100 agents deployed to assist
  • Investigators are searching the suspect's property and examining cell-phone records
  • FBI has deployed crisis response teams, bomb technicians, and other resources to the scene
  • Police are responding to and clearing additional bomb threats at multiple other locations
  • Authorities are still clearing the church building and determining how the fire started

Why it matters

  • The incident represents what authorities describe as an "act of targeted violence" against a religious institution
  • The attack occurred in a place of worship with hundreds of people present, including children
  • Multiple deaths and injuries resulted from the coordinated assault involving a vehicle, firearms, and arson
  • The incident has drawn national attention, with responses from political figures including former President Trump and Governor Whitmer
  • The event raises concerns about safety in places of worship and violence targeting religious communities

What's next

  • No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC