GRAND BLANC TOWNSHIP, Mich. – It’s been 24 hours since an attack at a church in Grand Blanc Township left at least four people dead and several others injured.
Here’s everything we’ve learned about the attack in the 24 hours since.
What happened
Police said the attack happened at 10:25 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the 4200 block of McCandlish Road in Grand Blanc Township.
Grand Blanc Township police Chief William Renye said a man, who has since been identified as Thomas Jacob Sanford, drove his vehicle through the front doors of the church.
Sanford then got out of the vehicle and started firing shots with an assault rifle, according to Renye.
Authorities commended the heroics of those inside the church, many of whom were shielding the children at the time of the attack.
“They were shielding the children who were also present within the church, moving them to safety,” Renye said. “Just hundreds of people just practicing their faith. Just extreme courage. Brave. And that’s the type of community that we are.”
The FBI described the attack as “targeted violence” and has since taken over the investigation.
Anyone with information is asked to call 1-800-CALL-FBI. You can report a tip online here.
Deaths, injuries
Police have identified four people who were killed in the attack. They said two of them were killed by gunshots and two were found dead in the aftermath of the fire.
At least 10 people are injured, and police said Sunday afternoon that at least one of those people was in critical condition.
There are also several people currently unaccounted for.
What we know about suspect
Police said the suspect is Thomas Jacob Sanford, a 40-year-old man from Burton.
After the shooting, Sanford was confronted in the parking lot by an officer from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and a Grand Blanc Township police officer who had responded to the scene, police said.
Those two officers exchanged gunfire with Sanford, and he was killed, Renye said.
Police said the shooter was engaged within a minute of the first 911 call.
Church fire
When police arrived at the church, they found it fully engulfed in flames. They said they believe Sanford deliberately set the fire using an accelerant, possibly gasoline.
The fire was extinguished by Grand Blanc Township firefighters between noon and 1 p.m. It is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
As of Monday morning, authorities still have not had an opportunity to full go through the rubble.
Shooter’s friends speak to Local 4
Two close friends of the Grand Blanc Township church attack suspect said they had a bizarre and disturbing encounter with him just days before.
“How do you mourn the death of someone who did something so terrible?” Kara Pattison said. “If you asked me out of everybody I know to pick 10 people you think might do something like this, I wouldn’t not pick him. And I hate saying that.”
Pattison said she knew Sanford as a “fun-loving family guy,” but also someone who “harbored unkind feelings toward certain groups.”
“He definitely talked about groups of people in ways that weren’t acceptable,” Pattison said.
Pattison said she and her 16-year-old daughter, Lydia, had a scary and bizarre encounter with Sanford just 48 hours before the church attack. They said Sanford was in his truck at the time.
“We started to cross, and the truck like gunned its engine and came at us,” Pattison said. “I blocked my daughter and we jumped back, and then the window rolled down, and it was Jake. He was laughing. He’s, like, ‘Oh, got you guys.’”
Pattison said that was not necessarily normal behavior from Sanford.
“He had never pretended to run us over before, so no, that wasn’t normal behavior,” Pattison said.
Lydia used to babysit for Sanford’s son.
“I was devastated,” Lydia said. “I didn’t think someone that I knew and loved would do this to people. It’s devastating. It’s so bad.”
She said she can’t get the victims or Sanford’s family out of her head.
“I love (Sanford’s son) so much and I feel so bad for the wife and son because I can’t imagine what they’re going through right now,” Lydia said.
What’s next?
Police said they are still early in the investigation, and they are working to try to figure out Sanford’s motive.
They searched his home in Burton. They also said they will go through his cellphone records.
The FBI sent 100 agents to the scene to help authorities interview the many witnesses who were at the church.
Local 4’s Nick Monacelli confirmed that three IEDs were found inside Sanford’s vehicle during the police investigation.
Police: No further danger to public
Renye said police believe that Sanford acted alone, and they have no other suspects.
They said there is no further danger to the public.
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims of this incident, which was completely unnecessary and avoidable,” Renye said.
Search at shooter’s home
Following the attack, the Michigan State Police Bomb Squad and SWAT teams conducted a thorough search of the suspect’s home. Bomb squad robots were used to safely inspect the property.
Multiple improvised explosive devices were found in the suspect’s vehicle, prompting authorities to treat the scene as potentially containing more explosives.
Just before 9 p.m. Sunday, Michigan State Police cleared the home, and more than a dozen FBI vehicles arrived. FBI agents are expected to conduct a detailed search as part of their ongoing investigation.
How to contact loved ones
If you’re wondering how to meet up with your family member who was at the church, call 248-705-7352.
That will lead you to the Red Cross, which is on scene with several people who were at the church when the shooting happened. They will be able to tell you where your family member is at.
Resources for the community
Community resources will be available throughout the week to support victims, families and the community after the deadly shooting.
On Monday and Tuesday, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., resources will be available at the Henry Ford Genesys Health Club. From Wednesday through Friday, support will be available at the Grand Blanc Senior Center near Holly Road and Pagels Drive.
Police response
Police arrived at the attack scene roughly 30 seconds after receiving the 911 call.
During a press conference Sunday, Renye said they received a 911 call at 10:25 a.m. about the shooting.
Renye said police arrived at the scene before 10:26 a.m., just seconds after the first 911 call.
Woman who was inside church shares her story
Paula Maser, a primary teacher, recounted the horrifying moments after Sanford ran his truck into the church and opened fire.
“We had already sung our Sacrament part, and we heard a big bang, and it blew the doors in the church,” Maser said. “Everything after that was chaos.”
In an interview with NBC, Maser said Sanford shot at her and other church members as they tried to escape.
“I got in the car with friends, I got my friend in the car, and we were getting ready to leave, and the shooter shot at the car, three bullets hit the car,” she said.
At the nearby Trillium theater, there were emotional moments as family members were reunited.
For church member Stephanie Giddings, who missed church to go to work on Sunday, learning what happened was gut-wrenching.
“We went out to go look at the church and pray on the grounds, but the street was blocked off. My daughter was just baptized there, so it’s hard,” said Giddings.
Community rallies around victims
The attack sent shockwaves through the community and people came together Sunday night to support the church members who were attending the service when the shooting happened.
Community members brought food and drinks, offered rides, and tried to comfort families in any way they could.
“I had toys in my car, and there were kids sitting out here waiting, and so I went and got toys, and then I just have been sitting and waiting and trying to see if there is anything I can do to help,” said McKenzie Hedric.
Local churches came together with people of all faiths, praying for healing.
“Tonight, there’s no titles, we’re all just here to pray and ask God to help us,” said Anne Delisle.
What Gov. Whitmer said
Here’s what Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said in response to the shooting:
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.
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer
Genesee County sheriff’s statement
Here’s what Gensee County Sheriff Chris Swanson said in response to the shooting:
This is a heartbreaking and tragic day for our community. We are working closely with Grand Blanc Township Police and other local, state, and federal partners to bring answers and provide support for the victims, their families, and everyone impacted by this senseless act of violence.
Gensee County Sheriff Chris Swanson
Grand Blanc Township trustee speaks
Joel Feick, a resident of Grand Blanc Township and a member of its Board of Trustees, spoke to Local 4 just after the shooting.
“I was not home when it happened, but this happened right next to my condo,” Feick said. “My neighbors heard the gunfire. They heard the screaming, the windows. They saw the truck. It’s horrific.
Feick said he doesn’t yet have any additional details about what happened.
“I know that you can see the smoke from I-75 a couple of miles away, from this church just burning,” Feick said. “So, clearly, somebody set this church on fire. We’ve never seen anything like this.”
Feick said he’s never heard of anything like this happening in Grand Blanc since he’s been a resident.
“It’s very peaceful,” Feick said. “It’s very sad, and it’s horrific. On a Sunday, and people are at church? It’s awful.”
Sen. John Cherry statement
Here’s what Michigan Sen. John Cherry (D-Flint) said in response to the shooting:
I am deeply saddened by the news today of the tragic act of violence that happened here in Genesee County. My family and I extend our hearts to those injured and killed, their families, and their church family, and all who endured this traumatic experience today. To terrorize people in a place of worship, where their hopes are highest and their faith strongest, is particularly sickening and has rocked our entire community.
I want to express my deepest gratitude to all of the first responders from multiple agencies and communities who rushed to the scene and continue to help those affected.
The congregation, the people of Grand Blanc, and our Genesee County community as a whole will need to heal and rebuild emotionally and physically, and I hope we can all come together to support them and one another during these trying and terrifying times.
Michigan Sen. John Cherry
Oakland County prosecutor statement
Here’s what Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald said in response to the shooting:
Americans have a right to feel safe at church. My heart goes out to the victims of the tragic shooting at Grand Blanc’s LDS church. But sympathy is not enough. Gun violence is a public health crisis. We have an obligation to find solutions to this deadly problem, so that everyone can be safe at church, school, and other public places.
Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald
Rep. Kristen McDonald Rivet statement
Here’s what Michigan Rep. Kristen McDonald Rivet (MI-08) said in response to the shooting:
I am beyond devastated by the shooting this morning at Grand Blanc’s Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Joseph and I are praying for the victims and the entire Grand Blanc community. This kind of violence in a place of worship is despicable.
Thank you to the first responders for your brave work to ensure our community’s safety. I urge all residents to avoid the area and give them space to respond to the situation.
Our team and I will continue to monitor the situation and be with our neighbors in Grand Blanc as we navigate this tragedy together.
Michigan Rep. Kristen McDonald Rivet