Name: Michigan Church Shooting: What We Know so Far
Uploaded: 2025-09-30T04:56:28.000Z
Description: Four people have been confirmed dead, according to an update by law enforcement on Monday morning.

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New details have emerged in the deadly shooting and fire at the Church of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc, Michigan.

Here’s what we know so far about Sunday morning's attack on the church:
<h2>The Victims</h2>
Four people have been confirmed dead, according to an update by law enforcement on Monday morning.

Eight people—ages 6 to 78—were injured, including five with gunshot wounds, Grand Blanc Police Chief William Renyee said.

“Everyone has been accounted for,” the chief told reporters at a press conference.

The update comes after authorities had feared that more people would be found in the charred wreckage.

The gunman rammed his vehicle through the front door of the church, exited his vehicle, and opened fire on the church during a service on Sunday morning and a fire was intentionally set at one point, according to police.
<h2>The Suspect</h2>
Authorities have identified the shooter as Thomas Jacob Sanford, 40, of the neighboring town of Burton.

Two officers chased the attacker and exchanged gunfire after he left the church, killing him about eight minutes later, according to authorities.

The gunman served in the Marines from 2004 to 2008, including seven months in Iraq, focusing on vehicle operations and maintenance, and was discharged at the rank of sergeant, according to records released by the Marine Corps.

According to records released by the Marine Corps, the alleged attacker served for four years during the early years of the global war on terror. He enlisted in 2004 and was discharged in 2008 at the rank of sergeant. He was deployed to Iraq for seven months and was awarded a Good Conduct Medal, indicating three years of service without any major infractions.

White House press secretary Karoline <a href="https://apnews.com/article/michigan-church-shooting-fire-mormon-dfe2ce8066e5162c1295e02562aa0e31">Leavitt said</a> investigators were looking into how much planning went into the attack and whether any clues about the motive were left behind.

“From what I understand, based on my conversations with the FBI director, all they know right now is this was an individual who hated people of the Mormon faith,” she said during an interview on Fox News Channel’s “Fox and Friends.”
<div data-module="">
<h2 id="y9jqpfse2v8" data-freestar-ad="__336x280 __336x280" data-google-query-id="COCO1ajG_o8DFaNOCAQdBJM4wQ">Response</h2>
</div>
Investigators are working around the clock to follow up on leads, according to Reuben Coleman, FBI acting special agent in charge.

“Our special agents, victim specialists, child advocates, forensic interviewers and local partners have interviewed over 100 victims and witnesses to date, and are continuing to interview individuals as we speak,” Coleman said.

Authorities also revealed that improvised explosive devices, or IEDs, were found at the scene of the attack.

A “world-renowned” ATF national response team arrived overnight to examine the scene, according to ATF acting special agent in charge James Deir. This includes explosives specialists, bomb technicians, forensic chemists, and canine handlers.

“They have been used all over the world, and they come from places as far as California, Hawaii, and they’re here in Michigan now,” he added.

Deir urged the public not to travel near the church. The roads and area surrounding the church have been closed off to protect the investigation.
<h2>Public’s Help</h2>
The police chief asked the community to come forward with any information regarding the attack.

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer urged Americans to “lower the temperature” following the shooting.

“We’ve seen gun violence in our schools, stores, parades, festivals, and our houses of worship. These are places that we go to feel connected, to feel safe, to be together,” the governor said during Monday's press conference.

Just last month, a gunman opened fire during a back-to-school mass at the Annunciation Catholic Church in Minneapolis.

<em>The Associated Press contributed to this report.</em>

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