Casualties, Shooting Suspect, and Trump's Response — Everything We Know About the Michigan Church Attack So Far

A solemn Sunday gathering in Michigan turned to chaos when an ex-Marine stormed into a church, terrifying worshippers and leaving the community in shock.

The horrific rampage unfolded on September 28, 2025, inside the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc Township. Authorities have identified the attacker as 40-year-old Thomas Jacob Sanford, a resident of nearby Burton.

The suspect, according to the police, rammed a truck into the curch, opened fire, and deliberately set the building ablaze. Fire crews from the township extinguished the flames within an hour.

More Victims Feared Dead as Search Continues

According to Fox News, four people have died: two were killed by gunfire, while the other two were found after the fire. Seven of the injured are in stable condition, and one remains in critical condition. CNN noted that children were among the wounded.

The church building, now considered a total loss, has not been fully searched due to safety concerns. Grand Blanc Township Police Chief William Renye said investigators believe more victims may be found once the building is fully cleared.

"We do believe that there were people up there that were near that fire and they were unable to get out of the church," Renye said.

Officials have not confirmed a motive, but the investigation is now a full-scale operation, with local police swarming Sanford's home, collecting digital devices, and digging into his past.

Authorities' Discovery of the Suspect’s Identity

The U.S. Marine Corps confirmed that Sanfard served as a Marine from 2004 to 2008, completing multiple combat deployments to Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom. He held positions as an automotive mechanic and vehicle recovery operator, ending his service at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina.

Sanford is also a decorated Marine. He earned the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, the Iraq Campaign Medal, and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.

As investigators continue to look into his past, the community he tore apart is struggling to process the horror he left behind.

A Congregation Member Reacts to Tragic Attack

Paula, a church member for nearly 40 years, told WXYZ Detroit she was listening to a counselor speak when she heard a loud noise and saw a door burst open.

In a state of confusion, many were unsure whether to take cover. "I didn't know what was going on and I didn't know if we were going to have to get down because we couldn't see anybody. We couldn't see," she explained.

The building she once worshipped in is now blackened and broken, and Paula, like so many others, is left searching for answers and solace. "It's devastating to know that I've lost friends and to see somebody would do this to our church," she shared.

National Leaders Respond with Fury, Sorrow, and Calls for Prayer

The attack prompted swift responses from political leaders. U.S. President Donald Trump, who learned about the tragic news, wrote on Truth Social, "This appears to be yet another targeted attack on Christians in the United States of America. The Trump Administration will keep the Public posted, as we always do."

He said that the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) responded to the scene, will lead the investigation, and is coordinating with local and state authorities. "In the meantime, PRAY for the victims, and their families. THIS EPIDEMIC OF VIOLENCE IN OUR COUNTRY MUST END, IMMEDIATELY!" he added.

Attorney General Pamela Bondi confirmed that federal agents were on the move, writing on X that she was being briefed on the situation. She described the violence at a place of worship as tragic and asked the public to pray for the victims.

Vice President JD Vance echoed the sorrow, calling the attack deeply troubling and affirming the administration was monitoring the situation closely while standing with both victims and first responders.

As the investigation continues, authorities are working to determine the motive behind the attack. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc remains closed.