At least four killed, 10 injured after lone gunman attacked Latter-day Saints church in Grand Blanc, began shooting, set fire
(OSV News) -- A month after a fatal shooting during Mass at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis, at least four people were killed and 10 others were wounded during a church service at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc Township, Michigan, Sept. 28.
Grand Blanc Township is a suburb of Flint in the Diocese of Lansing.
According to officials, a gunman drove a vehicle through the front of the church building during a morning service, started shooting, and then set a fire that consumed the building. It is possible that additional victims are inside the church, police say. Various reports said that hundreds of people were inside the building for the service. The gunman was killed by law enforcement, bringing the total dead to five.
The gunman, identified as Thomas Jacob Sanford, a 40-year-old Michigan man and ex-Marine, was shot dead by police, according to officials. No motive has yet been identified for his actions.
Chief William Renye of the Grand Blanc Township Police Department said in a Monday afternoon press conference that everyone from the church has been accounted for.
"As bishop of the Diocese of Lansing, I offer my prayers for all those killed in yesterday's fatal attack upon the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints meetinghouse in Grand Blanc Township, while also assuring those who mourn, and those who are injured, my solace and support," said Bishop Earl A. Boyea of Lansing. "Any place of worship should be a sanctuary of peace. The violation of such a haven, especially upon a Sunday morning, makes yesterday's act of mass violence even more shocking. I commend the first responders for heroically assisting at the scene and for working to safeguard other local places of worship.
"Lastly, let us remember that Jesus Christ is the Way, the Truth, and the Life," Bishop Boyea added. "Hence, in this moment of tragedy, let us all draw closer to Jesus, Prince of Peace."
Bishops across Michigan and the rest of the country expressed sorrow and horror at the attack, which devastated the community in the midst of a spate of violence across the country.
"I am heartbroken by yesterday’s gun violence and arson in Grand Blanc. In this time of immense sorrow, I ask that we stand in solidarity with the victims, their families, and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints," Detroit Archbishop Edward J. Weisenburger said in a statement. "Let us pray for peace and stability in our world and let us commit ourselves to actions that help to create that peace. In an era marked by hostilities and division, let us all come together in faith and compassion, upholding the fundamental right to worship freely and without fear. May God’s infinite love and mercy embrace and heal us all."
Bishop Robert D. Gruss of Saginaw said his diocese is offering "our heartfelt prayers and support to the families and the entire community of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Church in Grand Blanc, Michigan."
"I am deeply saddened by the senseless violence by this tragic shooting. People of all faiths should have every opportunity to worship without fear of violence. Even as we pray for those whose lives were taken today, I also ask that our prayer be matched by firm resolve to find a way to end the violence throughout our country," Bishop Gruss said.
Bishop David J. Walkowiak of Grand Rapids echoed those prayers, as did many others.
"I wish to express my sorrow over the tragic attack that occurred today at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc Township," Bishop Walkowiak said. "No one should ever fear for their safety while gathering to worship. The ability to pray, to assemble peacefully, and to express one’s faith is not only a constitutional right but a moral necessity for a compassionate society. My prayers are with the victims, their families, and the entire Latter-day Saints community as they grieve and seek healing in the face of this senseless violence."
Survivor Brian Taylor -- who spoke to media immediately afterwards while still wearing his bloodstained shirt -- told ABC Detroit affiliate WXYZ that the gunman had been dressed in camouflage as he opened fire.
A motive for the attack remains unknown, although Reuben Coleman, acting special agent in charge for the FBI's Detroit field office, told media Sept. 28 that his agency "is investigating this (the attack) as an act of targeted violence."
Authorities are also looking into whether the shooting's timing was connected to the passing of Russell M. Nelson, the president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, who died peacefully at his Salt Lake City home Sept. 28. Nelson, who had been a respected heart surgeon, was 101 years old.
Archbishop Bernard A. Hebda of St. Paul-Minneapolis noted in a Sept. 28 statement that the Catholic and LDS communities now share a common sorrow.
"Just last month, the regional leadership of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints extended their sincere condolences and prayers to the faithful of this Archdiocese in the aftermath of the shooting at Annunciation Church, expressing their closeness to us at that challenging time," said Archbishop Hebda, referencing the deadly Aug. 27 targeted attack that killed two children and injured 21 other individuals during a school liturgy at a Minneapolis parish.
"I will be promising them our prayers for those who were killed, as well as for those who were injured, their families, and all who present in that House of Worship," said Archbishop Hebda. "Please join me in praying for them and for an end to senseless violence around the globe."
President Donald Trump, in a post on his platform Truth Social, said he had been briefed on the shooting and that the FBI will be leading an investigation. "This appears to be yet another targeted attack on Christians in the United States of America. ... PRAY for the victims, and their families. THIS EPIDEMIC OF VIOLENCE IN OUR COUNTRY MUST END, IMMEDIATELY!"
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer released a statement in support of the Grand Blanc community.
"My heart is breaking for the Grand Blanc community," Gov. Whitmer said. "Violence anywhere, especially in a place of worship, is unacceptable. I am grateful to the first responders who took action quickly. We will continue to monitor this situation and hold the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc close.
The shooting at the chapel, which officials have called a "total loss," is the latest in an increasing number of violent incidents involving houses of worship. It is the third so far this year, including Annunciation in late August and an attack at Richmond Road Baptist Church in Lexington, Kentucky, in July.
Other notable shootings at houses of worship in recent years include a December 2024 attack in which a 15-year-old killed two and injured six at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison, Wisconsin; a 2018 attack at Tree of Life synagogue that killed eleven and wounded six; a 2017 attack at First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs, Texas, that killed 26 and injured many more; and a 2015 attack at Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina, that killed nine.
The Michigan Catholic Conference, the public policy voice of the Catholic Church in Michigan, added a prayer for those impacted by the shooting and its aftermath:
"Lord, please be with those impacted by the attack yesterday on the Grand Blanc faith community — those who died, those who were injured, their families, and the entire community. May they all find comfort and consolation in you and in the members of your body who come to their aid. May there be more peace and healing in our world. Amen."
Detroit Catholic contributed to this report.
