Michigan Church Massacre: Worshippers Shield Children as Gunman Kills at Least Four
Panic and chaos erupted inside the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc Township, Michigan, when a gunman stormed into a Sunday service, killing at least four people and wounding several others.
Witnesses say congregants acted instinctively to protect children, shielding them with their bodies and rushing them to safety as bullets tore through the sanctuary.
The attacker, identified as 40-year-old Thomas Jacob Sanford, drove his vehicle—adorned with two American flags—through the church’s entrance before unleashing gunfire. Sanford, a former Marine who served in Iraq between 2004 and 2008, was later shot dead by responding officers after setting fire to the church.
By the afternoon, thick black smoke billowed above the charred ruins. Authorities warned the death toll could climb, as up to seven people remained unaccounted for and search crews continued combing through the debris.
“Ten victims of gunshot wounds have been transported to local hospitals,” confirmed Police Chief William Renye, noting that one of them was pronounced dead upon arrival. He also praised the bravery of those inside the church:
“They shielded children, moved them toward safety, and put themselves in harm’s way. Their actions were heroic.”
The FBI has taken over the investigation, calling the rampage an act of “targeted violence.” Acting Special Agent in Charge Reuben Coleman condemned the attack:
“This act of violence has no place in Michigan or anywhere in our country. Our focus is on uncovering every fact and motive behind this tragedy.”
As the community grieves and awaits answers, families are still searching for loved ones who have yet to be located. The once-peaceful church now stands as the site of one of Michigan’s deadliest acts of violence in recent years.