Deadly Attack: Grand Blanc Church Shooting — Who Was Attacker Thomas Jacob Sanford?

Grand Blanc Church Shooting: Who Was Attacker Thomas Jacob Sanford?

A tranquil Sunday morning in Grand Blanc Township, Michigan, turned into a scene of tragedy on September 28, 2025, when a violent attack unfolded at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The assailant, identified as 40-year-old Thomas Jacob Sanford, a former U.S. Marine, carried out a coordinated assault involving a vehicle, gunfire, and fire, resulting in multiple casualties before being killed by police.

The incident, which is being investigated by the FBI as an act of "targeted violence," has left the community in shock and raised urgent questions about motive and security.

Timeline of the Attack: Chaos at the Church

The assault began at approximately 10:25 a.m. during a Sunday service attended by hundreds of worshippers. According to witness accounts and law enforcement, the attack unfolded rapidly:

1. Vehicle Ramming: Sanford drove his pickup truck directly through the church's front doors.

2. Shooting Rampage: He exited the vehicle armed with an assault rifle and opened fire on the congregation.

3. Arson: Using a gasoline-based accelerant, he set the building ablaze, causing the fire to spread quickly.

4. Police Response & Shootout: Officers arrived on the scene within 30 seconds of the first emergency calls. After exiting the church, Sanford was engaged by law enforcement and was killed in a shootout less than ten minutes after the attack began.

Investigators at the scene also discovered what they described as "suspected improvised explosive devices," though it remains unclear if they were deployed during the assault. The intense fire significantly damaged the structure, complicating rescue efforts and the subsequent search for victims.

The Victims and the Aftermath

The attack resulted in a devastating human toll. Authorities confirmed that at least four people were killed and eight others were wounded, with one victim reported in critical condition. The search through the burned wreckage led to fears that the casualty count could rise.

In the wake of the attack, the community and the nation grappled with the shock. Political leaders, including Michigan's governor and President Donald Trump, condemned the violence. President Trump described the event as a "targeted attack on Christians," calling for national unity.

Who Was Thomas Jacob Sanford?

The profile of the attacker that has emerged is complex. Thomas Jacob Sanford was a 40-year-old from Burton, Michigan, near Grand Blanc. Key details of his background include:

• Military Service: He served as a sergeant in the U.S. Marine Corps from 2004 to 2008, with a deployment to Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom. His roles included automotive mechanic and vehicle recovery operator.

• Personal Life: Sanford was a father to a son with a rare medical condition, congenital hyperinsulinism (CHI). A public fundraiser was set up for his son's medical care in 2015.

• Vehicle & Online Presence: Photos linked to Sanford showed his truck, which displayed American flags and a license plate referencing "Iraq," similar to the vehicle used in the attack.

Ongoing Investigation and Unanswered Questions

The FBI is leading the investigation, focusing on uncovering Sanford's motive. Key questions remain unanswered:

• What was the precise motive for targeting this specific church?

• Was Sanford affiliated with the congregation in any way?

• Were there any warning signs in his personal life, online activity, or mental state that could have foreshadowed the attack?

Investigators are meticulously examining Sanford's residence, digital devices, and personal history. The discovery of subsequent bomb threats made to other area churches, though none were viable, has added another layer of concern for community safety.

As the investigation continues, the Grand Blanc community is left to mourn and rebuild, while the nation reflects on another act of violence in a sacred space.