GRAND BLANC TOWNSHIP, Mich. – Officials provided new details Monday during a press conference about the deadly attack at a Grand Blanc Township church.
The attack occurred at 10:25 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on McCandlish Road. Four people were killed and 10 were injured.
What happened
Grand Blanc Township police Chief William Renye said a man drove his vehicle through the front doors of the church. The man then got out of the vehicle and started firing shots with an assault rifle, according to Renye.
After the shooting, the suspect was confronted by an officer from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and a Grand Blanc Township police officer who had responded to the scene within a minute of the first 911 call.
Police said the suspect, identified as 40-year-old Thomas Jacob Sanford, was shot and killed in the parking lot.
The church was destroyed in the fire.
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.
Authorities held a press conference Monday, Sept. 29, to update the public on the latest details of the attack.
Here’s what we’ve learned:
Monday’s press conference featured Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, Michigan State Police Colonel James Green, ATF Special Agent in Charge James Deir, FBI Special Agent in Charge Reuben Coleman, Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson, and Chief Renye.
Each official praised the swift collaboration among agencies and expressed sympathy for the victims and the community.
Renye called the attack “an evil act of violence.”
“This is not Grand Blanc. This does not define Grand Blanc and who we are,” Renye said. ”We are a community and I am confident that together, we’re going to build a stronger community.”
He went on to say that the church has been cleared and that everyone has been accounted for, but they will continue to sweep the burned building.
He reiterated that community resources will be available throughout the week to support victims, families and the community.
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.
Governor pledges state support, honors responders
Gov. Whitmer pledged full state support to Grand Blanc and thanked local, state and federal responders for their swift, life-saving actions.
She thanked local, state and federal responders — police, the DNR conservation officer, fire, EMS and medical staff — for their swift and life-saving actions.
“We can see the best of public service in all of these individuals,” Whitmer said. “I know that this community is reeling right now, and I want you to know that the state of Michigan has your back. Your grief is our grief. I ordered flags lowered statewide, and I spoke with President Trump yesterday, who wanted to share his condolences. We will be here every step of the way and coordinate a full response with our local and federal partners.”
She praised Michiganders’ resilience and interfaith leaders’ solidarity, urged the community to care for one another, while warning against harmful speculation, as investigators work to understand and prevent future violence.
“Keep your loved ones close and keep this community close to your hearts. Let’s keep doing the work together,” Whitmer said. “Let’s be kind and let’s love our neighbors.”
State police detail investigation efforts and call for vigilance
Michigan State Police Colonel James Green described the immediate response, including use of Bomb Squad and K-9 units to search for evidence and explosives.
“While we are committed to keeping our community safe, we also need your help. Again, it takes everybody. 53% of mass attacks leave a trail of clues leading up to them and two-thirds of mass attackers elicited behavior that cause concerns,” Green said. “So we are asking our communities to stay vigilant and if you see something suspicious, please contact local law enforcement or 911 immediately.”
ATF brings national response team to investigate fire and explosives
ATF Special Agent James Deir expressed condolences and said the National Response Team is investigating the church fire and recovered improvised explosive devices.
“This is a cadre of world-renowned investigators for arson and explosive incidents. They have been used all over the world and they come from places as far as California, Hawaii, and they’re here in Michigan now,” Deir said.
Since roads near the church remain blocked, he urged the public not to travel near the crime scene to preserve security for the investigators.
FBI continues evidence collection, victim interviews
FBI Special Agent in Charge Reuben Coleman said the agency’s Evidence Response Team — a specialized group trained to process crime scenes and collect evidence — has been working nonstop to find answers.
“This is an act of targeted violence, but we are continuing to work to determine a motive,” Coleman said. “Our special agents, victim specialists, child advocates, forensic interviewers and local partners have interviewed over 100 victims and witnesses to date and are continuing to interview individuals as we speak.”
National resources are being provided to help, including the Behavioral Analysis Unit, Quantico labs and support from other FBI field offices.
“This is an act of targeted violence,” Coleman said. “When I say targeted violence, I mean targeted within our state and within our community.”
Hospital reports on victims’ conditions
Dr. Michael Danic of Henry Ford Genesys reported eight people were treated at the hospital, ages 6 to 78. Five had gunshot wounds, three suffered smoke inhalation.
Two smoke inhalation patients have been discharged. Two victims remain in critical condition with multiple gunshot wounds.
A child injured in the attack was transferred to another hospital; the extent of the child’s injuries is unknown.