Gunman killed after killing 4, injuring 8 at Latter-day Saint church

GRAND BLANC TOWNSHIP, Mich. — A gunman opened fire inside a meetinghouse of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Michigan during a Sunday service and set the building ablaze, killing four people and injuring eight others before police shot him, authorities said.

Hundreds of people were inside the meetinghouse in Grand Blanc Township when a man rammed a four-door pickup with two American flags in the truck bed through the front door, then got out of the vehicle and started shooting, Police Chief William Renye told reporters. Investigators believe he "deliberately" set the building on fire, Renye said.

Officers responded to a 911 call and were at the meetinghouse within 30 seconds and killed the shooter about seven minutes later, Renye said. After the suspect left the meetinghouse, two officers pursued him and "engaged in gunfire," the chief said.

Flames and smoke could be seen pouring from the meetinghouse for hours before the blaze was put out.

Renye identified the suspect as Thomas Jacob Sanford, 40, from neighboring Burton. Reyne did not specify a motive at a news conference on Sunday evening. Police cordoned off the street leading to the suspect's home.

Renye said one of the wounded people was in critical condition Sunday evening and seven others were stable. Earlier in the day, Renye had said authorities believed they would find more victims once they could sift through the wreckage and find where the fire was.

The bodies of two of the victims were found as authorities searched the debris in the church, Renye said, emphasizing the search was continuing and that more victims could be found.

Earlier in the day, Renye had said authorities believed they would find more victims once they could sift through the wreckage and find where the fire was.

Investigators were searching the suspect's residence in nearby Burton. Authorities did not provide any additional details about the suspect, including whether he was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

It was the latest of many shooting attacks on houses of worship in the U.S. over the past 20 years, including one in August that killed two children during Mass at the Church of the Annunciation in Minneapolis.

President Donald Trump said in a social media post that he was briefed on the shooting and applauded the FBI for its response. Local authorities said the FBI was sending 100 agents to Grand Blanc Township.

"PRAY for the victims, and their families. THIS EPIDEMIC OF VIOLENCE IN OUR COUNTRY MUST END, IMMEDIATELY!" Trump wrote.

The meetinghouse, circled by a parking lot and a large lawn, is near residential areas and a Jehovah's Witness church.

Brad Schneemann, whose home is about 400 yards from the meetinghouse, told the Associated Press that he and his daughter heard "two rounds of four to five shots" around 10:30 a.m. "Then, we really didn't hear anything for a while" before they left their home to see what was going on.

Timothy Jones, 48, said his family is part of another ward of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, about 15 minutes away, but that his children were at the Grand Blanc Township ward Saturday night for a youth fall festival. He and his family moved to Flint two years ago in large part because of how strong the faith community is in the area, he said.

As people in his ward got word of the shooting from texts and phone calls during their Sunday service, his ward went into lockdown, and police came as a precaution, he said. His children were "frantically, just trying to get word that people were OK."

Sundays are "supposed to be a time of peace and a time of reflection and worship," Jones said. Yet in the wake of violence at other houses of worship, a shooting "feels inevitable, and all the more tragic because of that," he added.

Church spokesman Doug Andersen said in a statement: "A tragic act of violence occurred today at a chapel of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc, Michigan. During Sunday worship services a gunman opened fire, and early reports indicate that multiple individuals were injured. We ask for cooperation with local authorities as details become available."

He said the church "is in communication with local law enforcement as the investigation continues and as we receive updates on the condition of those affected. We offer thanks to the emergency responders who are assisting victims and families.

"We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of prayers and concern from so many people around the world. 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," Andersen said.

The shooting happened the morning after President Russell M. Nelson, the oldest-ever president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, died at age 101.

Gov. Spencer Cox of Utah posted on the social platform X, "I'm sick. Praying for my brothers and sisters in Michigan," expressing concern for those affected.

Utah Sen. Mike Lee also reacted, tweeting, "My prayers are with the congregation and families in Grand Blanc, Michigan. There is no more despicable act than attacking peaceful followers of God as they worship."

Former Utah Sen. Mitt Romney, who grew up in Michigan, added, "Tragedy in Michigan as my brothers and sisters and their church are targets of violence. Praying for healing and comforting."

U.S. Attorney General Pamela Bondi wrote on X, "I am receiving briefings about what appears to be a horrific shooting and fire at an LDS church in Grand Blanc, Michigan. @FBI and @ATFHQ agents are en route to the scene now. Such violence at a place of worship is heartbreaking and chilling. Please join me in praying for the victims of this terrible tragedy."

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer posted, "My thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families, and the entire Grand Blanc community during this horrific time," acknowledging the attack and its impact on local residents.

Utah Rep. Celeste Maloy wrote on X, "I'm following the tragic events at a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints chapel in Michigan this morning. As Latter-day Saints mourn the passing of our beloved Prophet, we are also shocked by violence in one of our meetinghouses. President Nelson called on us to be peacemakers—and that's exactly what we need right now. I pray we can pull together and be our best, most compassionate selves."

Rep. Blake Moore, R-Utah, said he and his wife are "heartbroken" and offered prayers for fellow church members in Michigan following the shooting. Moore reflected on the faith's teachings in times of hardship, quoting Elder Jeffrey Holland: "There is help. There is happiness. There really is light at the end of the tunnel. It is the Light of the World. … To any who may be struggling to see that light and find that hope, I say: Hold on. Keep trying. God loves you. Things will improve. Christ comes to you in His 'more excellent ministry' with a future of 'better promises.'"

FBI Director Kash Patel added, "Violence in a place of worship is a cowardly and criminal act. Our prayers are with the victims and their families during this terrible tragedy."

When striking nurses at nearby Henry Ford Hospital heard about the shooting, some left the picket line and ran the short distance to the church to help first responders, Teamsters Local 332 President Dan Glass said.

"Human lives matter more than our labor dispute," Glass said.

The impact spread quickly to neighboring communities, including the small city that shares a name with the township.

"Although we are two separate governmental units, we are a very cohesive community," said city of Grand Blanc Mayor John Creasey. "This sort of thing is painful for our entire community."

This story will be updated.

Contributing: Safiyah Riddle, Sophia Tareen and Christopher Weber

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