Shooter in Grand Blanc Church Attack Identified by Media as Iraq War Veteran Thomas Jacob Sanford
GRAND BLANC TOWNSHIP, Mich. — September 28, 2025 | 4:10 p.m. ET — A day of worship turned into a scene of chaos and tragedy in Grand Blanc Township on Sunday when an attacker stormed a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints during morning services. Multiple reports, including a breaking update from the New York Post, have identified the suspected gunman as Thomas Jacob Sanford, a 40-year-old Iraq War veteran from Burton, Michigan.
Sanford, who served in the U.S. Marine Corps with deployments to Iraq between 2004 and 2008, allegedly used a Chevy Silverado pickup truck to ram into the church’s front entrance just after 10:25 a.m. Witnesses recalled the truck displaying two large American flags in its bed, a detail that caught the attention of investigators and congregants alike. Moments later, Sanford exited the vehicle armed with a semi-automatic rifle and opened fire into the congregation, where hundreds of worshippers had gathered.
The attack quickly descended into chaos, with parishioners scrambling for cover as gunfire rang through the sanctuary. At least two victims were killed and several others wounded before law enforcement officers arrived on scene. Officials later confirmed that Sanford engaged in a gun battle with responding police and was killed in the exchange.
Adding to the gravity of the attack, a fire broke out inside the church during or immediately after the shooting. Fire crews have stated that the blaze appeared to have been intentionally set, complicating rescue efforts. Authorities have since warned that the casualty count may rise as search teams gain access to sections of the church still blocked by heavy fire damage and collapsed debris.
Reports have also surfaced regarding the presence of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) found in or near the church property, prompting the deployment of bomb squads and federal agents. However, officials have not yet confirmed whether these devices were functional or symbolic.
Sanford’s personal history has also begun to emerge. He was married and had a young son who was born with congenital hyperinsulinism (CHI), a rare medical condition. In 2015, a GoFundMe campaign raised more than $3,000 to support the family as they navigated the challenges of caring for their child.
While Sanford’s name has been widely circulated by the New York Post and other media outlets, local authorities have not formally confirmed his identity as of this reporting. The motive for the attack remains unclear, and investigators are pursuing multiple leads. They are reviewing Sanford’s digital records, phone data, and affiliations to determine whether the timing of the attack was linked to the death of LDS Church President Russell M. Nelson, who passed away on Saturday.
For now, officials are urging patience as the investigation continues. Search warrants are being executed, forensic teams are combing through evidence, and law enforcement agencies at the federal, state, and local levels remain active on site.
Community members, meanwhile, are left grappling with grief and disbelief at one of the most violent attacks on a house of worship in Michigan’s history. Authorities have pledged to provide updates as soon as information is verified, stressing that this remains a developing story and that further details are expected in the coming hours and days.
