A former U.S. Marine rammed his pickup truck into a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc Township on Sunday morning, opened fire on congregants, and set the building ablaze before being fatally shot by police. At least four people were killed and eight others wounded in what federal investigators are calling an “act of targeted violence.”
Authorities identified the gunman as Thomas Jacob Sanford, 40, of Burton, Michigan. Sanford served in the Marines between 2004 and 2008, including a deployment to Iraq. Police said he drove into the church grounds around 10:25 a.m., hoisting two American flags from his truck, then began firing into the packed sanctuary while igniting fires with gasoline. Explosive devices were later found at the scene, though it was unclear if any were detonated.
Responding officers arrived within 30 seconds of the first 911 call. Sanford was pursued outside the church and killed in an exchange of gunfire roughly eight minutes after the attack began.
The church, engulfed in flames for hours, collapsed in parts as firefighters worked to extinguish the blaze. Two bodies were recovered from the debris, and police warned that more victims could be discovered as searches continue.
“It was chaos, but congregants shielded children and moved them to safety,” Police Chief William Renye said. Several victims remain hospitalized, including one in critical condition.
The FBI has taken the lead in the investigation, deploying over 100 agents to the area. While Sanford’s motive remains unclear, authorities said the attack appeared deliberate and not random. Federal agents also responded to multiple bomb threats made against nearby churches following the incident, though no explosives were found.
The tragedy has shaken the faith community in Flint and surrounding towns. “Sundays are supposed to be a time of peace and reflection,” said Timothy Jones, a member of a nearby congregation. “Instead, this feels inevitable and all the more tragic.”
The shooting comes just a day after another mass attack in Southport, North Carolina, where a gunman opened fire from a boat, killing three and wounding five.
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer condemned the attack, calling it “unacceptable violence in a place of worship.” President Donald Trump praised the FBI’s response, writing on social media: “PRAY for the victims, and their families. THIS EPIDEMIC OF VIOLENCE IN OUR COUNTRY MUST END, IMMEDIATELY!”
As investigators continue their search for answers, local churches have tightened security. Sunday evening, about 100 people gathered at The River Church in Grand Blanc for a prayer service, bowing their heads and asking for peace in the wake of tragedy.
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