A tragic incident unfolded in Grand Blanc Township, Michigan, when a man opened fire at a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, resulting in at least two fatalities and nine injuries, including children. The assailant also set the church on fire, leading to fears of additional casualties among the hundreds of worshippers present at the time of the attack. The full extent of the tragedy is yet to be determined as the church was engulfed in flames, making it impossible to immediately ascertain the number of victims.
Authorities discovered multiple improvised explosive devices (IEDs) at the scene, prompting a bomb squad investigation. Grand Blanc Police Chief William Renye expressed concern for those who were unable to escape the burning church, indicating that the death toll could rise once a thorough search is conducted.
The attacker, identified as 40-year-old Tomas Jacob Sanford, drove his truck into the church around 10:25 a.m. before opening fire on the congregation. Sanford, who had two large American flags in his truck, began shooting at those who approached to assist him after the crash. The church was subsequently set ablaze, with the cause of the fire yet to be determined.
Sanford was later killed in a shootout with a Grand Blanc Township police officer and a Department of Natural Resources officer who responded to the incident. Witnesses reported that the attack began shortly after a congregational hymn, when the church was filled with worshippers.
Paul Kirby, a churchgoer who initially thought the truck crash was an accident, recounted his terrifying experience. He saw Sanford exit the truck and start shooting, with one bullet grazing his leg. Kirby managed to find his wife and two sons amidst the chaos, helping them and others escape through the back of the church.
Local resident Tony Deck reported seeing at least four bodies covered with yellow canvases at the scene. Meanwhile, aerial footage showed the church fully engulfed in flames, with thick black smoke billowing into the sky.
Authorities directed those present at the scene to a nearby reunification pavilion and advised others to avoid the area. Further details about the victims’ conditions were not immediately released.
President Trump, in a post on Truth Social, described the shooting as “horrendous” and suggested it was another targeted attack on Christians in the U.S. He urged prayers for the victims and their families, calling for an end to the “epidemic of violence” in the country.
US Attorney General Pam Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel also expressed their condolences, condemning the violence and pledging their support to the ongoing investigation. Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer extended her sympathy to the community, praising the swift action of first responders.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints issued a statement acknowledging the tragedy and requesting cooperation with local authorities as more details become available.