What we know about Michigan church shooting and arson attack

September 29, 2025

A deadly attack occurred at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc, Michigan, when Thomas Jacob Sanford, a 40-year-old former Marine, crashed his vehicle into the building, opened fire on congregants, and set the church ablaze during a Sunday service. The incident killed four people and injured eight others before police killed the suspect in a shootout less than 10 minutes after the attack began. Officials described the shooting as a "targeted act of violence" but are still investigating the motive, with the White House press secretary suggesting Sanford "hated people of the Mormon faith.

Who is affected

Four people killed (not named in the article)
Eight injured people, including one in critical condition
Hundreds of church members attending the Sunday service
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc community
Residents of Grand Blanc, Michigan

What action is being taken

Investigators are searching for a motive and interviewing over 100 victims and witnesses
Officials are processing the crime scene and investigating the suspect's background
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer is urging residents not to speculate about the motive
Police and federal agents (including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives) are investigating the makeshift explosive devices found at the scene

Why it matters

The incident represents a targeted violent attack against a religious community
The combination of shooting, arson, and explosive devices indicates a premeditated attack
The attack affected hundreds of people gathered for religious worship
The incident raises concerns about violence targeting religious groups, specifically the Mormon community
The attack occurred in a public place of worship, affecting community safety

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC