Tragedy Strikes a Michigan Church: A Sunday Service Turns Deadly
On the morning of September 28, 2025, a peaceful Sunday service at a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints chapel in Grand Blanc Township, Michigan, erupted into chaos and horror. Congregants had gathered for prayer and worship when, without warning, a violent attack shattered the calm. Eyewitnesses and official reports confirm that a gunman forcibly entered the church, opened fire, and set the building ablaze, in what law enforcement describes as a deliberate, premeditated assault.
The suspect was identified as 40-year-old Thomas Jacob Sanford, a former U.S. Marine from nearby Burton, Michigan. Police responded within minutes, confronting Sanford outside the church. During the confrontation, officers fatally shot him. Authorities confirmed multiple fatalities, with several injured and others unaccounted for as rescue and recovery operations continue.
The Attack and Rapid Police Response
Police reports indicate that Sanford arrived in a four-door pickup truck adorned with two American flags. Eyewitnesses recounted how he rammed the vehicle through the church’s front doors during the service, sparking panic among hundreds of attendees. Moments later, he exited the truck and began firing into the congregation.
Grand Blanc Township Police Chief William Renye stated that officers were dispatched within 30 seconds of emergency calls. They arrived quickly, but Sanford had already ignited a fire inside the building. About eight minutes after the attack began, he was shot outside the church. Firefighters battled thick black smoke and flames for hours.
Evidence of Planning: Gasoline and Suspicious Devices
The ATF confirmed the use of gasoline to fuel the fire and discovered suspected explosive devices at the scene. James Deir, Special Agent in Charge of ATF Detroit, noted that it remains unclear whether the devices were used to start the fire. The presence of these items suggests that the attack may have been meticulously planned. Authorities continue to investigate Sanford’s background and possible motives.
Casualties and Ongoing Search Efforts
By Sunday evening, authorities confirmed four deaths, one person in critical condition, and seven others injured but stable. Two bodies were recovered from the charred church remains, but officials warned that additional victims could be found as debris is carefully cleared. Chief Renye noted that some individuals were still unaccounted for, with as many as seven people possibly missing.
Who Was Thomas Jacob Sanford?
Sanford served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 2004 to 2008, reaching the rank of sergeant. He specialized as an organizational automotive mechanic and vehicle recovery operator, and served in Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Little is known about any connection he had to the LDS Church. Authorities have cordoned off his Burton residence to search for clues explaining his actions.
A Difficult Past and Family Struggles
Sanford faced a personal tragedy in 2015 when his newborn son, Brantlee, was diagnosed with congenital hyperinsulinism, a rare and life-threatening condition. Born six weeks premature, Brantlee required a feeding tube, ventilator, and constant medical care. Sanford, then known as Jake Sanford, took family medical leave from Coca-Cola to care for his son, while his fiancée, Tella Campbell, managed the household.
The family sought treatment at Cook Children’s Medical Center in Texas, one of only two hospitals in the U.S. specializing in congenital hyperinsulinism. Brantlee’s care placed immense emotional and financial strain on the family, who relied heavily on community support during this period.
A Mysterious Social Media Post
Hours before the attack, a cryptic Facebook post appeared on Sanford’s mother’s page, Brenda Walters-Sanford. Though since deleted, it read: “Life isn’t a FREE RIDE!! No matter what JOB you have!!!” The post discussed political issues and government accountability, but its timing has raised questions among investigators due to its coincidence with the attack.
Neighbors in Shock
Residents in Burton expressed shock and grief. Randy Thronson, a 71-year-old veteran, described Sanford as a “good neighbor” and admitted disbelief: “It’s really sad… he might have just snapped.” Another neighbor, Mike Pate, said, “It’s surreal, having something like this happen so close to home. When you see these things on the news, it always feels far away, but now it’s right here.”
A Community Left to Mourn
As investigators comb through the remains of the church and Sanford’s home, many questions remain unanswered. Authorities have released no clear motive or manifesto explaining why a war veteran and father would commit such an act.
The Grand Blanc Township community is left to grapple with devastation, grief, and trauma, mourning loved ones while emergency responders continue their tireless work. The church, once a sanctuary of peace, now stands as a stark reminder of a tragedy that will take years to heal.
