Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
A peaceful Sunday service at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was shattered by gunfire and fire as a gunman launched a deadly attack, killing two worshippers and injuring at least eight others before being fatally shot by police. Authorities have since identified the suspect as 40-year-old Thomas Jacob Sanford, an Iraq War veteran from Burton, Michigan.
The violent rampage began around 10:25 a.m. when Sanford allegedly rammed his vehicle through the front entrance of the church, emerged with a firearm, and opened fire on the congregation of more than 100 parishioners. According to Grand Blanc Police Chief William Renye, Sanford then set the church on fire, leading to a five-alarm blaze that partially collapsed the structure.
Sanford was killed in a shootout with responding officers inside the burning building. Authorities said one victim was pronounced dead at the scene, and another died at a hospital. At least two of the surviving victims remain in critical condition.
Iraq War Veteran Named as Suspect
During a brief 5 p.m. press conference, Renye confirmed Sanford’s identity and said he was known to local law enforcement but had no known affiliation with the church. Investigators are now working to determine whether his military service or mental health history played any role in the attack.
“We are investigating all possible motives, including mental health and personal grievances,” Renye said. “At this time, there is no indication that the attack was religiously motivated, but we are not ruling anything out.”
Sanford’s background as a U.S. Army veteran has prompted federal authorities to examine whether he may have suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or other service-related conditions. Officials did not say whether he had a criminal record.
A Deliberate Act of Violence
“This was a deliberate and devastating act of violence,” Renye said. “He drove into a sacred space and opened fire on innocent people gathered for worship. We’re working closely with the FBI, ATF, and state authorities to understand how and why this happened.”
The fire, which authorities believe was intentionally set by Sanford, engulfed much of the church and led to a partial collapse of the roof and structure. Firefighters were able to bring the blaze under control by 1 p.m., but access to the building remains limited due to safety concerns.
Emergency responders transported at least nine injured victims to Henry Ford Health’s Genesys Hospital. Hospital officials confirmed that they were treating patients for gunshot wounds and trauma but did not provide specific details on their conditions.
National Leaders Respond
The shooting drew swift responses from national leaders. Former President Donald Trump referred to the incident as “yet another targeted attack on Christians in the United States” and pledged that the FBI would continue to lead the investigation. Vice President JD Vance echoed the concern, calling it an “awful situation” and urging prayers for the victims and first responders.
Attorney General Pam Bondi described the event as “heartbreaking and chilling,” and Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer said her “heart is breaking for the Grand Blanc community.”
“Violence anywhere, especially in a place of worship, is unacceptable,” Whitmer said. “I’m grateful to the first responders who acted quickly and bravely.”
FBI Director Kash Patel announced that more than 100 agents have been assigned to the case and called the attack “a cowardly and criminal act.”
Church and Community in Mourning
Doug Anderson, a spokesperson for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, issued a statement expressing sorrow and solidarity with those affected.
“Our hearts are heavy with grief,” Anderson said. “Places of worship are meant to be sanctuaries of peace. We are grateful for the outpouring of support and prayers from around the world, and we find strength in our shared faith in Jesus Christ during this dark time.”
The church is working closely with law enforcement to provide support to victims and their families. Local counseling centers and religious leaders from neighboring congregations have also offered services to help the community cope with the trauma.
A Growing Threat to Religious Institutions
The attack is the latest in a troubling series of violent incidents at places of worship across the United States. Security experts and faith leaders have been warning for years about the vulnerability of religious institutions to both ideologically driven and random violence.
Michael Masters, who oversees security for Jewish schools and synagogues nationwide, said religious communities are being forced to take unprecedented measures.
“In the current threat environment, offenders are increasingly targeting sacred spaces without regard for denomination,” Masters said. “Whether it’s a synagogue, a Sikh temple, a Black church, or now an LDS church in Michigan — the message is clear: no faith is immune.”
He added that security training and preparedness have become “essential parts of worship life,” especially as law enforcement continues to warn of threats from both foreign and domestic actors.
Investigation Ongoing
As investigators continue to process the scene and speak with witnesses, Chief Renye warned that the final toll may still rise.
“We do believe we may find additional victims or critical evidence once the structure is deemed safe for full entry,” he said. “This remains a very active and complex investigation.”
The Grand Blanc community, meanwhile, remains in shock, left to grapple with the emotional aftermath of an attack that took lives, destroyed a house of worship, and shattered the peace of a quiet Sunday morning.
