2 Dead, 8 Injured in Shooting at Mormon Church in Michigan; Suspect Killed by Police

Grand Blanc Township, Michigan – Sept. 28, 2025 — A gunman opened fire at a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints during a Sunday service in Michigan, killing two people and injuring at least eight others before being shot dead by police.

Authorities identified the suspect as Thomas Jacob Sanford, 40, of Burton. According to Grand Blanc Township Police Chief William Renye, Sanford drove his vehicle into the front of the church before exiting with an assault rifle and opening fire on congregants.

More than a hundred people were inside the building at the time of the attack. Police responded within eight minutes of the initial emergency call and fatally shot the suspect at the scene.

One of the injured victims remains in critical condition, while the others are in stable condition. All are being treated at Henry Ford Genesys Hospital.

In addition to the shooting, a fire broke out inside the church, which officials believe was started deliberately by the gunman. The fire has since been extinguished, but authorities warn additional victims may be found as they continue to secure and search the building.

Witnesses described scenes of chaos and heartbreak. One woman who had been inside the church told local media, “I lost friends in there, and some of my little primary children that I teach on Sundays were hurt. It’s very devastating for me.”

The motive behind the attack remains unknown. Investigators are searching the suspect’s home and analyzing phone records.

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer condemned the shooting as “unacceptable” and expressed condolences to the Grand Blanc community. President Donald Trump said he had been briefed on the incident and called it “horrendous.”

The FBI is assisting with the investigation. Director Kash Patel called the attack “a cowardly and criminal act” and said the agency is working closely with local law enforcement.

Grand Blanc Township, a community of around 7,700 residents, is located roughly 60 miles northwest of Detroit. The tragedy occurred just one day after the death of Russell M. Nelson, the 101-year-old president of the LDS Church.