Image Credentials: Image Title: Michigan Church Attack: Former Marine Identified as Gunman in Deadly Grand Blanc Shooting Source: (Sora.ChatGpt) Date: September 2025. Attribution: Created using AI-generated imagery (Sora.ChatGpt), this does not depict a real-world scene.
By Liam Scott | Staff Writer with Agencies
Authorities say the man who drove his vehicle into a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and opened fire on congregants in Grand Blanc Township, Michigan, has been identified as Thomas Jacob Sanford, a 40-year-old former U.S. Marine Sergeant. The attack left four people dead and at least eight wounded before Sanford was killed in a shootout with police.
Police in Michigan have identified the suspect in Sunday morning's shooting and fire during a packed service at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc. At least two people were killed and eight others injured, officials said. https://t.co/WqJH33KNiO pic.twitter.com/J64d4VLB4S
— ABC News (@ABC) September 28, 2025
Timeline of the attack
The violence erupted on Sunday morning when Sanford allegedly rammed his vehicle through the church’s front doors. Witnesses said the attacker emerged firing an assault-style rifle at the hundreds of people inside. Soon after, flames spread through the building. Investigators believe Sanford used an accelerant, likely gasoline, to set the church ablaze.
Grand Blanc Police Chief William Renye said responding officers engaged the gunman within minutes. “He was neutralized about eight minutes after the first shots were fired,” Renye told reporters. Firefighters arriving at the scene battled the blaze as terrified congregants fled the sanctuary.
BREAKING: Michigan Church shooter ID'ed as 40-year-old Thomas Jacob Sanford, a U.S. Marine veteran – NYP pic.twitter.com/g9TW1teuSP
— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) September 28, 2025
Explosives recovered, FBI leads investigation
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) confirmed that suspected explosive materials were recovered at the scene, though investigators have not detailed the type or quantity. The FBI quickly assumed control of the case, calling it an “act of targeted violence.”
“This was not random. We believe the suspect came prepared to inflict maximum harm,” an FBI spokesperson said, adding that agents are now examining Sanford’s digital footprint, weapons acquisition, and potential motivations.
Community in shock
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer condemned the attack, calling it “violence in one of the most sacred spaces, unacceptable in every sense.” She said her heart was breaking for Grand Blanc, urging communities to remain vigilant.
In the hours after the shooting, residents gathered outside the church in vigils, lighting candles and praying for victims and survivors. “It feels unreal,” said a longtime congregant. “This is a place of peace, and now it will carry scars forever.”
Sanford’s background
Law enforcement later confirmed Sanford’s identity, describing him as a Michigan native from Burton. Records indicate that he served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 2004 to 2008, attaining the rank of Sergeant. His role as a Vehicle Recovery Operator (MOS 3536) involved towing and repairing disabled military vehicles, as well as operating heavy recovery equipment.
During his service, Sanford deployed to Iraq as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom. He was awarded multiple medals, including the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, the Iraq Campaign Medal, and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal. His last posting was with the 2nd Marine Logistics Group at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.
Officials stressed that while his military training may have given him proficiency with weapons, no immediate link has been found between his Marine service and Sunday’s attack.
Ongoing investigation
The FBI is still working to establish Sanford’s motive. Authorities are combing through his personal and financial history, interviewing relatives and acquaintances, and analyzing whether the church was chosen at random or deliberately targeted.
For now, Grand Blanc is grappling with grief, its sense of safety shaken. “We are resilient,” Chief Renye said, “but this is a wound that will take a long time to heal.”
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