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Active Shooter at Mormon Church (Grand Blanc Township)
Sydnee Sutliff/Chambray Anaman
Sun, 28 Sep 2025 17:41:18 EDT
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Grand Blanc, MI - Authorities responded Sunday, September 28th, to a shooting at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on McCandlish Road in Grand Blanc Township. According to a statement from the Grand Blanc Township Police, 40-year-old man from Burton, Michigan, believed to be Thomas Jacob Sanford, a former Marine, rammed a vehicle into the church's front doors before opening fire with an assault rifle on hundreds people who were attending a service.
Police confirmed there are multiple victims, While initial reports indicated one person dead, a second victim has since died from their injuries at a local hospital, bringing the death toll to two. Eight others have been wounded, with one in critical condition. The suspected shooter was killed in a shootout with a Michigan Department of Natural Resources officer and a Grand Blanc Township police officer. Federal agencies, including the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), are responding to the scene. A witness, recounted that churchgoers heard a loud bang and a crack in the chapel wall and initially thought a vehicle had accidentally hit the building.
The church building was reported to be on fire as emergency crews arrived at the scene. Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson stated that the "entire church is on fire," describing it as a "dynamic scene." The fire may have been started by the suspected shooter.
In a statement, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer said, "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 also issued a statement, saying, "My heart is breaking for the Grand Blanc community. Violence anywhere, especially in a place of worship, is unacceptable." He also added on his Truth Social platform, "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."
A reunification site was established at a pavilion north of the church for those who were on site. For those off site, reunification will take place at the Trillium Theater at Holly and McCandlish.
Police are urging residents to avoid the area while the investigation and emergency response continue.
This is a developing story and we will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.
