GRAND BLANC TOWNSHIP, Mich. (BN24) — The death toll from Sunday’s violent attack at a Michigan church has risen to four, authorities confirmed, after an ex-Marine rammed his pickup truck into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, opened fire on worshippers, and set the building ablaze before being fatally shot by police. Eight others remain wounded, one critically, as investigators continue to sift through the church’s charred ruins for additional victims.
The gunman, identified as 40-year-old Thomas Jacob Sanford of Burton, struck shortly after 10:25 a.m., when hundreds of members of the congregation were inside for worship. Police Chief William Renye said Sanford crashed through the church doors with American flags flying from his truck, then emerged with an assault rifle and began firing. Authorities believe he used gas to ignite the fire and may have had explosive devices, though it remains unclear whether they were deployed.
Two victims were discovered in the debris as firefighters extinguished the blaze, which consumed the large structure for hours. Officers responding to a 911 call arrived within 30 seconds, engaging Sanford in a firefight outside the church and killing him roughly eight minutes after the assault began, Renye said.
“This was an act of targeted violence,” said Ruben Coleman, special agent in charge for the FBI, which has taken the lead in the investigation. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives also joined the probe.
Sanford served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 2004 to 2008, including a deployment in Iraq. Investigators are combing through his residence and background for clues to his motive, which remains unknown.
Witnesses described terror inside the church as congregants shielded children and rushed them to safety. Outside, neighbors reported hearing bursts of gunfire followed by thick smoke rising from the church’s roof.
The violence rattled the wider Mormon community in Michigan, striking less than 24 hours after the death of Russell M. Nelson, the 101-year-old president of the Utah-based faith. “Places of worship are meant to be sanctuaries of peacemaking, prayer and connection,” church spokesperson Doug Anderson said in a statement. “We pray for peace and healing for all involved.”
The aftermath has been felt deeply across Grand Blanc Township and surrounding towns. Striking nurses from a nearby hospital ran to assist victims, and prayer services were held Sunday night at The River Church, where pastors urged healing for families, first responders, and the entire community.
President Donald Trump praised the FBI’s rapid response, writing on Truth Social: “PRAY for the victims, and their families. THIS EPIDEMIC OF VIOLENCE IN OUR COUNTRY MUST END, IMMEDIATELY!”
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer called the assault “unacceptable” and said her “heart is breaking for the community.”
Authorities are also investigating reports of bomb threats made to other churches in the area after Sanford’s death. No explosives were found.
As search teams work through the wreckage, Chief Renye said the toll could rise. “Some people are unaccounted for,” he said. “We fear we may find more.”
