Officials in Grand Blanc, Michigan, identified Thomas Jacob Sanford, 40, as the suspected gunman in the shooting at the Church of Latter-day Saints during a press conference on Sunday. The gunman is deceased, according to law enforcement.
Grand Blanc Police Chief William Renye said Sanford has been identified as the suspect who drove a vehicle into the church’s front doors Sunday morning, where “hundreds” of people were attending service. Law enforcement was dispatched at 10:25 a.m. The suspect exited his vehicle and opened fire on attendees. Three people were announced dead at the church, and another was announced dead at a nearby hospital. Eight victims are now hospitalized, one of whom is in critical condition.
Renye said it is believed the church’s fire was started “deliberately” by the suspect, and believes victims who were not able to escape will be found there. Two of the deceased were shot, and it is unclear how many were killed or injured in the fire.
Law enforcement arrived on the scene within 30 seconds of the 911 call, and the suspect was neutralized within 8 minutes, according to Renye.
Renye said law enforcement has entered the suspect’s home to gather more information.
Reuben Coleman, acting special agent in charge of the FBI Detroit field office, added that the agency is now leading the investigation as an “act of targeted violence.”
A spokesman for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives also confirmed that suspected explosive devices were located at the church.
Michigan State Police Lt. Kim Vetter said the department has also responded to multiple bomb threats at other locations in the area, including churches.
She added that police have not identified a motive behind the incident at this time.
“My heart is breaking for the Grand Blanc community. Violence anywhere, especially in a place of worship, is unacceptable. I am grateful to the first responders who took action quickly. We will continue to monitor this situation and hold the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Grand Blanc close,” Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D-MI) said on X.
FBI agents have been dispatched to the scene, according to FBI Director Kash Patel. Renye said over 100 federal agents are expected.
“We are tracking reports of the horrific shooting and fire at an LDS church in Grand Blanc, Michigan. @FBI agents are on the scene to assist local authorities. 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,” Patel said on X.
Attorney General Pam Bondi also condemned violence in a place of worship, calling it “chilling.”
“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,” Attorney General Pam Bondi said on X.
President Donald Trump said he had been briefed on the attack and called it “yet another targeted attack on Christians in the United States of America.”
Police directed the public to avoid the area, and several reunification sites were established.
New York City police also put out a statement, saying they would increase law enforcement presence at religious institutions following the attack.
Grand Blanc’s city and township have a combined total of 47,500 people, and is located north of Ann Arbor and Detroit.
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Sunday’s shooting comes only a day after Russell M. Nelson, the oldest president of the LDS Church, died at 101.
This is a breaking news story and will be updated.
