GRAND BLANC TOWNSHIP, Mich. (FOX 2) – Three people are dead, including the shooter, and nine others are hospitalized after a shooting Sunday morning at a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc, according to police.
Grand Blanc Township Police Chief William Renye said a 40-year-old Burton man rammed a vehicle into the church on McCandlish Road before opening fire on hundreds of people who were worshiping.
Police sources later identified the shooter as Thomas Jacob Sanford, a Marine veteran who spent time in Iraq. According to sources, he had a wife and a son.
What we know:
According to Renye, the suspect shot 10 people before a confrontation with police that ended with him being shot dead.
Those 10 victims were brought to a hospital, where two people have since died. Several other victims are in critical condition as of 1 p.m.
In addition to shooting victims, Renye said the suspect also set the church on fire. The police chief believes more victims may be found inside the church once the fire is extinguished, and it is safe to enter.
“The shooter is down, we do have multiple victims, the entire church is on fire,” Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson said after the shooting.
Local perspective:
Witness Brian Taylor said churchgoers thought someone had accidentally hit the building at first. He said church started at 10 a.m. and the service was happening when there was a loud noise and a crack in the chapel wall.
“We heard a large, just a large bang,” he said.
Taylor said churchgoers went outside to help, but soon realized it wasn’t an accident. He described seeing a man he did not recognize driving a truck armed with a rifle before the shooting started.
As Taylor and his wife tried to drive away, he said the suspect shot at their vehicle, causing their windshield to shatter. Taylor suffered a hand injury from shrapnel.
The church released a statement after the shooting:
“A tragic act of violence occurred today at a chapel of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc, Michigan.
“During Sunday worship services a gunman opened fire, and early reports indicate that multiple individuals were injured. We ask for cooperation with local authorities as details become available.
“The Church is in communication with local law enforcement as the investigation continues and as we receive updates on the condition of those affected. We offer thanks to the emergency responders who are assisting victims and families.
“We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of prayers and concern from so many people around the world. In moments of sorrow and uncertainty, we find strength and comfort through our faith in Jesus Christ. Places of worship are meant to be sanctuaries of peacemaking, prayer and connection. We pray for peace and healing for all involved.”
What they’re saying:
United States Attorney General Pam Bondi said on X that agents from the FBI and ATF are headed to the scene.
“Such violence at a place of worship is heartbreaking and chilling. Please join me in praying for the victims of this terrible tragedy,” she wrote.
FBI Director Kash Patel echoed what Bondi said, writing on X that “violence in a place of worship is a cowardly and criminal act.”
President Donald Trump also responded to the shooting, writing on Truth Social that “this epidemic of violence in our country must end, immediately!”
What we don’t know:
No further details about the suspect have been released. It is unclear if he was a member of the church.
What’s next:
Police are now searching for a motive for the attack. As of 3 p.m., authorities were searching the suspect’s Burton home for any clues. That home is about 15 minutes from the church.
Another update is expected at 5 p.m. Sunday.
Stay with FOX 2 for updates on this breaking news story.
The Source: This information is from Grand Blanc police.
