Michigan Church Shooting Leaves 4 Dead After Gunman Crashes Vehicle and Opens Fire
GRAND BLANC TOWNSHIP, Michigan — Tragedy struck Sunday morning when a gunman crashed his vehicle into a church near Flint and opened fire on worshippers, killing at least four people and injuring eight others before dying in a shootout with police.
The attack targeted the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which was hosting Sunday services when the gunman forced his way inside. Authorities say the man also set the building on fire, leaving it a total loss.
Attack and Fire at the T-Mobile Center
The incident began when the suspect, identified as 40-year-old Thomas Jacob Sanford of Burton, Michigan, rammed his truck into the church. Witnesses reported hearing a loud boom before chaos erupted.
Police said Sanford then opened fire with an assault-style weapon. Some worshippers acted heroically, shielding children from bullets as others fled.
Two people were killed immediately, and two more bodies were later recovered from the burned remains of the church. Fire investigators said Sanford appeared to have used an accelerant, possibly gasoline, to ignite the flames.
Explosives Found and Federal Response
Authorities later confirmed that three rudimentary explosive devices were found inside the church. While none were as powerful as a pipe bomb, investigators believe they were meant to spread the fire.
The FBI has dispatched 100 agents to assist with the investigation, which is being treated as an act of targeted violence. Michigan State Police also confirmed that bomb threats were phoned in to other churches in the area, though all were cleared.
Community in Shock
Local residents expressed grief and disbelief. One neighbor recalled Sanford as someone who once helped plow driveways in winter, describing him as a man who had served in the U.S. Marines and deployed to Iraq from 2007 to 2008.
But Sunday’s events left the community shaken. “Imagine going to worship and having your church burned down and people shot around you — it’s devastating,” one resident said.
Nearby schools in Grand Blanc Township will remain closed Monday out of caution, and police continue to monitor threats.
What’s Next
Seven of the wounded remain hospitalized, most in stable condition, while one is in critical care. Officials have not yet released a motive.
The attack adds to a troubling series of assaults on places of worship nationwide. As investigators sift through the church’s charred remains, officials say more victims may still be discovered.
The Grand Blanc Township tragedy underscores the vulnerability of faith communities and the bravery of those who protected others in a moment of terror. For continuing coverage on public safety and national news, follow ChicagoMusicGuide.com.