Authorities are still working to recover additional victims after a violent attack on a Mormon church in Michigan left at least four people dead on Sunday.
Thomas Jacob Sanford, 40, of Burton, Michigan, is accused of ramming his truck into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc Township, just before 10:30 a.m. Police said he then got out of the truck and started firing on churchgoers with a rifle. About 150 people were attending services at the time. Police said Sanford then used an accelerant, likely gasoline, to set the church on fire. Sanford was shot and killed by police.
Police confirmed that four people have died. Seven others are in stable condition, and one remains in critical condition. Two victims were killed by gunfire while the other two were found after the fire.
Grand Blanc Township Police Chief William Renye said investigators fear the number of deaths may rise, as others are believed to have died in the fire that engulfed the entire church. Authorities have not yet said how many additional victims may be inside.
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Flames and smoke rise from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc, about 50 miles north of Detroit, on Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025. (Julie J, @Malkowski6April via AP)
“We do believe that there was people up there that were near that fire, and they were unable to get out of the church,” the police chief said. “So we do believe that we will find additional victims once we’re able to search.”
Investigators also discovered explosives, but could not say if they were used to initiate the blaze.
Police said that a motive was still under investigation.
The Marine Corps confirmed to Fox News’ Garrett Tenney that Sanford was a Marine and served from 2004-2008, including deployments to Iraq as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom. He worked as an automotive mechanic and vehicle recovery operator. His last assignment was with the 2nd Marine Logistics Group in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, and Sanford left the Marines as a sergeant.
He earned several awards during his four years of service, including the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, the Iraq Campaign Medal, and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.
President Donald Trump posted on his Truth Social platform that he was briefed on the “horrendous” shooting that appeared to target Christians.
Emergency responders were seen rolling multiple gurneys toward the church as firefighters worked to put out the fire on Sunday, Sep. 28, 2025. (FOX2 Detroit WJBK)
“The FBI was immediately on scene, and will be leading the Federal Investigation, and providing full support to State and Local Officials,” Trump wrote. “The suspect is dead, but there is still a lot to learn. This appears to be yet another targeted attack on Christians in the United States of America. The Trump Administration will keep the Public posted, as we always do. In the meantime, PRAY for the victims, and their families. THIS EPIDEMIC OF VIOLENCE IN OUR COUNTRY MUST END, IMMEDIATELY!”
Vice President JD Vance also reacted to the shooting, asking for prayers for the victims and first responders.
“Just an awful situation in Michigan,” Vance posted on X. “FBI is on the scene and the entire administration is monitoring things.”
U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi said she was receiving briefings about the “horrific shooting” and fire at the church.
“Such violence at a place of worship is heartbreaking and chilling,” Bondi said in a post on X. “Please join me in praying for the victims of this terrible tragedy.”
Bondi said that agents with the FBI and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) were heading to the scene.
Video from the scene showed dark billowing smoke rising into the air and multiple firetrucks working to extinguish the fire. Medical responders were seen rolling several gurneys toward the church while law enforcement officials in tactical gear were also on the scene.
Church services for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are typically two hours long, with the services at this location starting at 10 a.m. with a sacrament service. The shooting happened during the sacrament service when the congregation was gathered in the chapel.
Police said multiple people were shot at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc Township, Michigan, on Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025. (FOX2 Detroit WJBK)
A spokesperson for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints called the shooting a “tragic act of violence” in a statement to Fox News.
“During Sunday worship services a gunman opened fire, and early reports indicate that multiple individuals were injured,” the statement said. “We ask for cooperation with local authorities as details become available.”
The church said it is working with local law enforcement as the investigation continues, and thanked all emergency responders who are helping victims and families.
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“We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of prayers and concern from so many people around the world,” the statement said. “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.”
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