- The suspect, Thomas Jacob Sanford, was a 40-year-old Marine veteran from Burton, Michigan.
- The attack involved ramming a vehicle into the church, a shooting with an assault rifle, and a deliberately set fire.
- At least four people were killed and eight others were wounded; the search for more victims continued in the burned-out building.
- The FBI is leading the investigation as an “act of targeted violence” but has not yet determined a motive.
In a quiet Michigan community, a Sunday morning church service was disrupted by violence.
A gunman attacked a chapel of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc Township, leaving several people dead and injured before the suspect was killed in a gunfight with police. The FBI is now leading the investigation into this tragic event.
Suspect Identified as Marine Veteran
The man responsible for the attack has been identified as Thomas Jacob Sanford, a 40-year-old from nearby Burton, Michigan. Authorities confirmed that Sanford was an Iraq War veteran who served as a sergeant in the U.S. Marine Corps from 2004 to 2008.
He worked as a mechanic and vehicle recovery operator, and was deployed for several months during Operation Iraqi Freedom starting in the summer of 2007. Sanford received several medals for his service, including the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal.
Timeline of a Deadly Attack
The first 911 call came in at 10:25 a.m. local time on Sunday. Police say Sanford crashed his pickup truck into the front of the church before entering with an assault rifle and opening fire on the congregants.
He also intentionally set the building on fire, using gasoline to accelerate the flames. Officers arrived within seconds and exchanged gunfire with the suspect. The incident was over just eight minutes after it began, with police confirming that Sanford was neutralized in the church parking lot at 10:33 a.m.
Congregants and Responders Show Heroism
Grand Blanc Township Police Chief William Renye praised the bravery shown by first responders and those inside the church. “They were shielding the children present in the church, moving them to safety,” he said, describing the actions of the congregants during the attack.
A conservation officer from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources was noted for acting quickly to protect the congregation and prevent further loss of life. The fire department and emergency medical services responded valiantly to the dangerous situation.
Explosive Devices and a Massive Blaze
In addition to the shooting and vehicle crash, the attack involved fire and suspected explosives. James Deir, Special Agent in charge of the ATF Detroit Field Division, confirmed that an accelerant, believed to be gasoline, was used to start the fire. He also stated that some suspected explosive devices were found at the scene.
Aerial footage showed the church engulfed in flames, and the chapel was described as a total loss, partially collapsing from the fire. Bomb squads were dispatched to search Sanford’s home.
A Look into the Suspect’s Background
Thomas Jacob Sanford, who also went by Jake, graduated from Goodrich High School. Social media accounts and past interviews depict him as a family man passionate about hunting and fishing. He was married and had a young son with a rare genetic disorder called Congenital Hyperinsulinism.
A GoFundMe page was created in 2015 to help the family with medical expenses, and Sanford took leave from his job as a truck driver to be with his son during hospital stays. Neighbors described him as seemingly normal, with one noting he would plow driveways for free.
Investigation Probes for a Motive
The FBI has taken the lead in the investigation, classifying the incident as an act of targeted violence. As of now, authorities have not disclosed a motive for the attack.
A physical search of the perpetrator’s residence is underway, and investigators are working to obtain search warrants for digital media that may provide insight into his plans and reasoning.
Police have urged the community to remain vigilant as they responded to additional, unrelated bomb threats at other local churches on the same day.
Also Read: Thomas Jacob Sanford Wife and Children: Who Are They? Find Out
Last Updated on September 29, 2025 by 247 News Around The World
