Breaking News: Michigan Church Massacre – 4 Dead, 8 Injured; Shooter Killed in Police Exchange
Grand Blanc Township, Michigan – September 29, 2025
A massacre unfolded Sunday morning at a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints chapel in Grand Blanc Township, Michigan, leaving at least four worshippers dead and eight others wounded, before the perpetrator was shot dead by responding police. Authorities continue to sift through the charred ruins and investigate the motive.
The attack began at 10:25 a.m. EDT when the assailant drove a pickup truck into the front of the church building during a crowded Sunday service.
He then exited the vehicle, opened fire with what is believed to be a semi-automatic rifle, and set the interior ablaze using gasoline or another accelerant.
On arrival, officers engaged the gunman in a shootout, ultimately killing him at approximately 10:33 a.m.
The fire that followed caused partial structural collapse, complicating immediate search and rescue within the church.
As of the latest updates, four bodies have been confirmed (including two found within the fire-damaged interior) and eight survivors remain hospitalized. Of those shot, one died at the scene, another died later in hospital, and two more were discovered dead within the burned structure.
The eight wounded include individuals in stable condition and one in critical condition as of the latest reports. Authorities believe there may yet be more victims unaccounted for in the rubble; the scene has not been fully cleared, is still under investigation, forensic recovery is slow and difficult; authorities caution that these figures may change.
The attacker has been identified as Thomas Jacob Sanford, age 40, of nearby Burton, Michigan. Sanford was a former U.S. Marine, having served from 2004 to 2008, including deployment to Iraq.
Inside Sanford’s vehicle, investigators discovered improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and they believe he used gasoline to fuel the fire. Whether the bombs/IEDs were ever intended to be detonated or were merely for intimidation is still under investigation. Authorities are conducting a detailed search of Sanford’s home, vehicles, and digital records to determine any motive.
At present, no clear motive has been publicly confirmed. Establishing motive is proving especially challenging: no credible ideological manifesto or direct claims have yet emerged. Investigators are scrutinizing Sanford’s background, personal relationships, possible radicalization, mental health history, and any prior connection to the church.
Investigators are exploring whether the attack may have any link to the recent death of LDS Church President Russell M. Nelson, who passed away the day before the shooting.
Officials have stated they believe Sanford acted alone and there are no other known suspects.
The FBI has taken over the lead role in the investigation, classifying the incident as “targeted violence.” More than 100 FBI agents were deployed to assist with interviewing witnesses, forensic work, and scene analysis.
The ATF is aiding in examination of explosives, accelerants, and the arson component.
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer condemned the violence, emphasizing that places of worship should be sanctuaries free of terror.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints issued a statement expressing sorrow, affirming cooperation with authorities, and urging strength and prayer for victims and their families.
Local, state, and federal law enforcement have warned of possible copycat threats and have temporarily raised security at nearby religious sites.
