Michigan Mormon Church Shooting Kills 4, FBI Investigates
A Sunday morning service turned into a scene of horror when a former Marine launched a deadly attack on a Mormon church, killing four people, injuring eight others, and setting the building ablaze. Authorities say at least 100 federal investigators are now on the ground, calling it an act of “targeted violence.”
What Happened
Hundreds of worshippers gathered at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc Township around 10:25 a.m. when a man drove up in a pickup truck with two U.S. flags mounted in the bed. Witnesses say he began firing into the building before using gasoline to start a fire.
Police officers arrived within 30 seconds of the first 911 call. Two officers pursued the attacker and fatally shot him after an exchange of gunfire about eight minutes later.
The blaze burned for hours, leaving the chapel in ruins. Authorities confirmed four victims dead and eight more injured, including three who suffered smoke inhalation. After hours of searching through debris, police reported all missing worshippers accounted for.
Who Was the Attacker?
Officials identified the gunman as Thomas Jacob Sanford, 40, a former Marine from a nearby small town. Military records show he served from 2004 to 2008, including a seven-month tour in Iraq as a vehicle operations specialist. He was discharged with the rank of sergeant.
What’s Still Unknown
Authorities have not confirmed a clear motive. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told Fox News that the FBI is probing whether Sanford left behind evidence of planning.
“All they know right now is this was an individual who hated people of the Mormon faith,” Leavitt said. Investigators searched Sanford’s residence but have not released details of what was found.
The Church and the Community
The attacked building, a chapel of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, served local congregants as part of Michigan’s nearly 47,000 Mormon members. Nationwide, the church has about seven million members.
Grand Blanc Township, a community of roughly 40,000 residents, sits just south of Flint and 60 miles northwest of Detroit.
Investigation Expands
The FBI is leading the investigation, describing the attack as “targeted violence.” Special Agent Ruben Coleman confirmed that at least 100 agents were deployed to the township. Local police and federal authorities are working together to determine Sanford’s connections, planning, and possible accomplices.
A Disturbing Pattern
The attack adds to a troubling trend of mass shootings at houses of worship across the United States. Just last month, a gunman killed two children during Mass at the Church of the Annunciation in Minneapolis.
It also marked the second U.S. mass shooting in less than 24 hours. The night before, a man opened fire from a boat in Southport, North Carolina, killing three and injuring five.
Why It Matters
The Michigan Mormon church shooting underscores the ongoing vulnerability of faith communities and the rising toll of mass violence. With the FBI committing major resources to the case, investigators hope to shed light on the attacker’s motives and prevent similar tragedies.
Please Support Our Sponsors:
Click here to watch Dr. Naomi and Kim Bright’s interview: https://rumble.com/v6yzmvm-why-fermented-foods-matter-brightcore-founder-kim-bright-explains-sponsored.html?e9s=src_v1_cmd%2Csrc_v1_ucp_a
Use code OUTSPOKEN for 10% off!
NativePath: “Women 50+ Do THIS 1 Thing for Flabby Arms (NO WEIGHTLIFTING)… Visit https://getnativecreatine.com/DailyClout to Learn More”
Clarke For City Council: “If you live in District 46, every dollar you give to Athena Clarke’s City Council campaign will be matched eight-to-one — and if you live elsewhere, your donation still directly fuels her fight to bring real change to NYC.” https://contribute.nycvotes.org/campaigns/athenaclarke/contributions/new
Discover LegiSector! Stay up-to-date on issues you care about with LegiSector’s state-of-the-art summarizing capabilities and customizable portals. Try now for a free trial…Learn more at https://www.legisector.com