Table of Contents
On a Sunday morning, tragedy struck in Grand Blanc, Michigan, when a gunman opened fire during a service at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The incident left at least four individuals dead and eight others wounded, creating shockwaves within the community and beyond.
As details emerge, the events of that day reveal a complex narrative of violence and desperation.
The assailant, identified as Thomas Jacob Sanford, aged 40, reportedly drove his vehicle into the church before unleashing a barrage of shots. Local police chief William Renye confirmed that the suspect also initiated a fire that engulfed part of the building.
Law enforcement responded swiftly, fatally shooting Sanford just eight minutes after receiving the first reports.
Sequence of events
According to police reports, chaos began at approximately 10:25 AM local time when authorities received a distress call about an armed man at the church.
Upon arrival, officers encountered Sanford, who was actively firing an assault rifle inside the chapel. Witnesses described pandemonium as congregants scrambled for safety amidst smoke and flames.
Response by law enforcement
The confrontation escalated quickly. Officers exchanged gunfire with Sanford, resulting in his death at 10:33 AM, shortly after the shooting started.
The rapid response by police was crucial in preventing further loss of life, yet questions remain about how such a horrific event could unfold in a place intended for peace.
As the smoke cleared, responders discovered that the fire set by Sanford had caused significant damage, leading to the partial collapse of the chapel.
Investigations are ongoing to determine the full extent of the tragedy, with authorities fearing that additional victims may be trapped in the debris.
Background of the shooter
Sanford was a former U.S. Marine who served from 2004 to 2008, including deployment to al-Fallujah, Iraq.
His father, Thomas Sanford, had previously expressed pride in his son’s service, presenting a narrative of a devoted family man. However, the transition from military life can be challenging, and details about Sanford’s post-service life are beginning to surface.
Personal challenges
After leaving the Marines in 2008, Sanford settled in Burton, Michigan, where he worked as a truck operator. He was also a father to a son named Brantlee, who was born with a rare medical condition known as hyperinsulinism, affecting his pancreas’s ability to regulate insulin. Sanford discussed the emotional turmoil his family faced when they discovered Brantlee’s health issues, raising questions about the mental health challenges faced by veterans.
Community impact and ongoing investigation
The aftermath of the shooting has left the Grand Blanc community in mourning. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints issued a statement expressing sorrow, emphasizing that places of worship should be safe havens. They called for prayers and healing for those affected by the shooting.
As investigations continue, the FBI is leading the probe into what they describe as an act of targeted violence. Local media reports indicate that several improvised explosive devices were found in Sanford’s vehicle, highlighting the alarming nature of this incident. This shooting marks the 324th mass shooting in the United States in 2025, reflecting a disturbing trend in gun violence.
Furthermore, the day of the Grand Blanc attack coincided with another shooting incident in Southport, North Carolina, involving a similar pattern of violence and a 40-year-old Marine veteran. The parallels between these events underscore the urgent need for community support and intervention.
The assailant, identified as Thomas Jacob Sanford, aged 40, reportedly drove his vehicle into the church before unleashing a barrage of shots. Local police chief William Renye confirmed that the suspect also initiated a fire that engulfed part of the building. Law enforcement responded swiftly, fatally shooting Sanford just eight minutes after receiving the first reports.0
