Fatal shooting and fire at Michigan Mormon church, police say 

by Jon King, Michigan Advance
September 28, 2025

Updated at 5:28 p.m.

Authorities say 11 people were shot, at least three fatally, including the gunman, and a fire broke out Sunday morning at a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc Township, about 50 miles north of Detroit.

Grand Blanc Township police said on social media that the suspected shooter “is down” and there was no ongoing threat to the public, with Chief William Renye later telling reporters that the incident began at 10:25 a.m. when a 40-year-old Burton man drove his vehicle through the front doors of the church.

The suspect has since been identified as Thomas Jacob Sanford.

“He then exited his vehicle, firing several rounds at individuals within the church. Ten gunshot victims have been transported to local hospitals at this time. Including one who has been deceased,” Renye said.

Officers, including with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Grand Blanc Township, arrived on the scene a short while later and “engaged in gunfire with that particular individual, neutralizing that suspect,” Renye said, adding that the fire is thought to have been deliberately set by the shooter.

Renye later told reporters that seven other victims were in stable condition, while one person was in critical condition.

Multiple law enforcement agencies have responded to Sunday’s incident in Grand Blanc, including the Michigan State Police, the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office.

FBI Director Kash Patel said on social media that the bureau was monitoring reports of the “horrific shooting and fire” and was assisting in the investigation.

“Violence in a place of worship is a cowardly and criminal act,” Patel said. “Our prayers are with the victims and their families during this terrible tragedy.”

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer also shared a statement on social media, saying her “heart was breaking for the Grand Blanc community.”

“Violence anywhere, especially in a place of worship, is unacceptable,” Whitmer said. “I am grateful for the first responders who took action quickly.”

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, based  in Salt Lake City, issued a statement, saying they were “deeply grateful” for the outpouring of support from around the world. 

“In moments of sorrow and uncertainty, we find strength and comfort through our faith in Jesus Christ. Places of worship are meant to be sanctuaries of peacemaking, prayer and connection. We pray for peace and healing for all involved,” Doug Andersen, a church spokesperson said.

The shooting occurred less than 24 hours after  the death of the church’s president, Russell M. Nelson, who died Saturday at 101 years old.

The Grand Blanc Township incident follows another church-related shooting in late June when a man wearing tactical gear and carrying multiple firearms entered the CrossPointe Community Church in Wayne, Michigan before being fatally shot by church security. 

The shooter’s mother in that incident was reportedly a church member, and he had attended services several times over the past year.

Utah News Dispatch Editor-in-Chief McKenzie Romero assisted with this story.

This story has been updated with suspected gunman’s name, which was released by authorities, as well as further details on the status of the victims.

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Michigan Advance is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Michigan Advance maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Jon King for questions: info@michiganadvance.com.