A peaceful Sunday morning turned into a scene of unimaginable terror for the congregation of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc, Michigan.
Hundreds of worshippers, including children, were attending a service when a gunman drove into the church and opened fire, leaving four dead and eight others injured.
Authorities identified the shooter as 40-year-old Iraq War veteran Thomas Jacob Sanford, a resident of nearby Burton.
Police confirmed that Sanford was shot dead at the scene as flames engulfed the building, ending his deadly rampage.
Chaos Unfolds as Gunman Attacks Congregants
Grand Blanc Township Police Chief William Renye described the terrifying moments: Sanford allegedly rammed his vehicle through the front door before firing an assault rifle into the crowd.
Investigators later discovered three improvised devices, signaling the premeditated nature of the attack.
Emergency responders acted quickly, arriving on scene just 32 seconds after receiving the first call.
The shooter was neutralized eight minutes later during a brief shootout with two officers.
Despite their rapid response, the church suffered extensive damage, and multiple victims were transported to local hospitals, with one in critical condition.
Victims and Community in Shock
The Grand Blanc community is reeling from the tragedy.
Chief Renye noted that over a hundred people had been inside the church at the time, raising fears that additional victims may emerge once the scene is fully secured.
Witnesses described the church as being “completely destroyed,” with flames and smoke visible for miles.
Social media posts and live footage showed the severity of the blaze, while first responders worked frantically to carry victims to safety.
Authorities are now searching the shooter’s home and examining cell phone records to uncover a motive for the attack.
National Leaders Condemn the Attack
The shocking event prompted immediate statements from political leaders.
Former President Donald Trump took to Truth Social to denounce what he called “an epidemic of violence” and urged prayers for the victims and their families.
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer echoed the sentiment, expressing heartbreak and gratitude for the swift actions of first responders. “Violence anywhere, especially in a place of worship, is unacceptable,” she wrote on X.
Church Responds and Offers Support
The nationwide Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints confirmed that it is cooperating fully with investigators.
Spokesperson Doug Andersen emphasized the church’s commitment to assisting victims, families, and emergency responders.
“Places of worship are meant to be sanctuaries of peacemaking, prayer, and connection.
We pray for peace and healing for all involved,” Andersen stated, highlighting the community’s need for support in the wake of the attack.
Tragic Timing Amid Church Leadership Loss
This devastating shooting comes just one day after the death of Russell M. Nelson, the president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Nelson, who passed away at the age of 101, had led the church since 2018 and was its oldest-ever president.
The timing of the attack adds an additional layer of sorrow for the global LDS community.
The Grand Blanc church shooting marks another heartbreaking episode in a growing pattern of violence targeting places of worship in the U.S., leaving survivors, families, and a stunned nation grappling with grief and the urgent need for answers.