A quiet Sunday morning in Grand Blanc Township, Michigan, was shattered when worshippers at the Church suddenly found themselves under attack. On September 28, 2025, a man drove a truck through the church doors, opened fire on the congregation, and then set the building ablaze. What had begun as a day of worship and peace ended in chaos, grief, and devastation for an entire community.
Authorities quickly identified the suspect as 40-year-old Thomas Jacob Sanford, an ex-Marine from nearby Burton. Sanford’s military background initially left many stunned — he served in the U.S. Marine Corps between 2004 and 2008, completing combat tours in Iraq and earning several commendations. For longtime neighbors, news of his involvement was incomprehensible, as he had once been regarded as a disciplined and decorated veteran. Now, investigators are searching his home and combing through his digital devices for answers. Despite his history of service, no clear motive has yet emerged.
The human toll of the attack is grim. Officials confirmed that four people were killed — two from gunshot wounds and two more discovered after the fire. At least eight others were injured, some suffering severe burns and gunshot wounds. Among the injured were children, one of whom remains in critical condition. Police have cautioned that additional victims may yet be found once the ruins of the church are fully searched. The building itself has been declared a total loss, its charred remains standing as a grim reminder of what transpired inside.
For survivors, the memories are harrowing. Paula, a congregant who has been a member of the church for more than 40 years, said she froze in disbelief as the truck crashed through the entrance. Moments later, she heard gunfire and saw smoke rising from the sanctuary. “I didn’t know if we were going to make it out,” she recalled, her voice shaking. Members of the congregation helped each other escape, with some shielding children as they fled through shattered windows and side exits.
The shocking contrast between Sanford’s service record and his violent actions has been difficult to reconcile. Investigators confirmed he left the Marines nearly two decades ago with several medals for his deployments, yet little is known about his life since then. Friends from his past military unit expressed disbelief, while local officials cautioned against jumping to conclusions before the investigation is complete. Authorities are analyzing both personal writings and online activity to determine whether ideology, mental health struggles, or other factors played a role.
National leaders responded swiftly to the attack. President Donald Trump issued a statement condemning the violence, calling it “yet another targeted attack on Christians.” He confirmed that the FBI is leading the investigation in coordination with local law enforcement. “This was not just an assault on a congregation — it was an assault on faith itself,” Trump said. Attorney General Pamela Bondi pledged full support from the Justice Department, while Vice President JD Vance urged Americans to rally around the victims and their families.
For the people of Grand Blanc Township, the tragedy has left deep scars. Vigils are already being planned as residents come to terms with both the loss of life and the destruction of their church, a cornerstone of the community for decades. Faith leaders from across the state have promised to gather in solidarity, offering both prayers and practical support.
As investigators continue their work, the community mourns not only the lives lost but also the shattering of a sacred space. For those who escaped, survival feels both miraculous and haunting. And for the families of the victims, the road to healing has only just begun.
