GRAND BLANC TOWNSHIP, Mich. – A former U.S. Marine and Iraq War veteran unleashed a brutal attack on a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints meetinghouse Sunday morning, killing four congregants, injuring eight, and setting the building ablaze before being killed by responding officers. The FBI is investigating the September 28, 2025, incident as a targeted act of violence, with preliminary information suggesting the assailant harbored anti-Mormon sentiments.
The harrowing events began around 10:25 a.m. when Thomas Jacob Sanford, 40, of Burton, Michigan, rammed his pickup truck into the front wall of the Grand Blanc Township chapel. He then exited the vehicle, armed with an assault rifle, and opened fire on the congregation attending Sunday service. At some point during the ensuing chaos, Sanford also set the building on fire, engulfing much of the structure in flames and smoke.
A Swift and Deadly Assault
First responders arrived on the scene with remarkable speed. Within minutes of the initial 911 call, law enforcement officers engaged Sanford in a shootout in the church’s parking lot, neutralizing the threat. Authorities confirmed that Sanford was killed during this exchange. The rapid response, however, could not prevent the tragic loss of life and injuries sustained by church members.
Four congregants were pronounced dead: two from gunshot wounds and two who succumbed to injuries sustained in the fire. Their ages ranged from 6 to 78 years old. Among the deceased were identified as 77-year-old Navy veteran John Bond, Craig Hayden, 72, and William “Pat” Howard, 77. Eight other individuals were injured, with some suffering gunshot wounds and others smoke inhalation. Two of the wounded were emergency medicine residents who, despite being congregants, bravely re-entered the burning building to assist others. Thankfully, most of the injured were reported to be in stable condition, with some having been discharged from the hospital.
The Suspect: A Veteran’s Troubled Path
Thomas Jacob Sanford was identified as a 40-year-old U.S. Marine Corps veteran who served from June 2004 to June 2008. His service included a tour in Iraq from August 2007 to March 2008 during Operation Iraqi Freedom, where he worked as an organizational automotive mechanic and vehicle recovery operator, achieving the rank of sergeant. He earned multiple commendations, including the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal and the Iraq Campaign Medal.
Interviews with friends and associates suggest a dark turn in Sanford’s life. Some reported he harbored significant animosity towards members of the LDS Church, making derogatory statements about them. One friend recalled Sanford expressing beliefs that Mormons were the “Antichrist.” A GoFundMe campaign from 2015 indicated Sanford’s family had faced financial strain due to a son’s rare genetic disorder, though officials have not yet officially linked this to the motive for the attack.
Investigation and Community Impact
The FBI, alongside the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and state and local law enforcement, has taken the lead in the investigation. Search warrants were executed at Sanford’s residence, and investigators are meticulously examining all evidence, including improvised explosive devices (IEDs) found in his truck, to piece together his motive and any potential planning. The FBI has stated the attack is being treated as an “act of targeted violence.”
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer and other officials condemned the “evil act” and offered condolences to the victims and their families. The community of Grand Blanc Township, located about 50 miles north of Detroit, has been left reeling from the tragedy. As the immediate crisis phase passed, a focus on healing and understanding has begun, though the motive remains officially unconfirmed. The devastating events serve as a stark reminder of the pervasive issue of gun violence, which unfortunately remains a trending topic in news cycles, often dominating discussions on tv and streaming platforms.
While the investigation continues, authorities have urged the public to report any relevant information. The community is mobilizing to support the affected families and honor the lives lost in what has become a profound tragedy for Michigan.
