Grand Blanc Death Toll Rises: 5 Dead, 8 Injured in Church Shooting

A heartbreaking tragedy unfolded in Grand Blanc Township yesterday morning at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints on McCandlish Road.

UPDATE (9/29/2025 9:58 a.m.): Multiple media sources are now reporting that the death toll is now at five. Two of the church members were killed in the gunfire. The official cause of death of the other two victims has not been released by local law enforcement. The fifth fatality was that of the suspect after being shot by police.

Attack During Sunday Service

As Sunday morning services were taking place, a man rammed a pickup truck into the front entrance of the church and opened fire on the congregation. Investigators say the suspect, identified as 40-year-old Thomas Jacob Sanford of Burton, also set the building on fire during the attack. Disturbing dash cam footage allegedly shows the suspect in his truck on the way to the church.

Police Response and Suspect Killed

According to Grand Blanc Township Police Chief William Reyne, officers responded to a 911 call and were on the scene in less than one minute. The suspect was shot and killed by police within eight minutes of their arrival. Five people have been killed in the attack, several others were injured—one critically. There are still many people unaccounted for and the search for them continues.

Firefighters and Nurses Rush to Help

The church continued to burn for hours as several fire departments fought the blaze. Local nurses striking at Henry Ford Genesys Hospital rushed to the scene to help first responders. Teamsters Local 332 President Dan Glass said, “Human lives matter more than our labor dispute.”

Leaders React to Grand Blanc Tragedy

President Trump was briefed on the shooting and fire, later posting on social media:

PRAY for the victims, and their families. THIS EPIDEMIC OF VIOLENCE IN OUR COUNTRY MUST END, IMMEDIATELY!

Grand Blanc Mayor John Creasey said in a statement:

Although we are two separate governmental units, we are a very cohesive community. This sort of thing is painful for our entire community.

Governor Whitmer also shared her condolences, saying her heart was breaking for the community and adding, 'Violence anywhere, especially in a place of worship, is unacceptable.'

Schools Closed in Aftermath

Grand Blanc, Goodrich, and Holy Family Catholic Schools are all closed today, as many students in these districts have close ties to the church.