A quiet Sunday in Michigan turned into a tragedy when a gunman attacked a church, killing five people and hurting eight others. On September 28, 2025, the shocking event happened at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc Township.
Thomas Jacob Sanford, 40, a former Marine, drove his truck into the church, shot at people, and set the building on fire. Authorities confirmed that Sanford died in a shootout with police, but not before a lot of people died. President Trump condemned the act, calling it “another targeted attack on Christians,” and promised stronger protection for places of worship.
Key Takeaways
- Five people were killed and eight injured in the Michigan church attack.
- The suspect, Thomas Sanford, an ex-Marine, used a truck, rifle, and gasoline to carry out the assault.
- Police responded in under eight minutes, but the church building was destroyed in the fire.
- President Trump linked the attack to a wider “epidemic of violence” against Christians.
- The FBI has taken over the investigation, with Sanford’s motive still under review.
What Went Down in Michigan
The attack started at 10:30 a.m. on a Sunday morning. Witnesses say Sanford drove his truck through the church doors, shot at people who were praying, and then set fire to the building with gasoline.
People in the church rushed to protect the children, showing incredible bravery in the midst of the chaos.
Within minutes, police showed up and shot Sanford, killing him right away. Firefighters fought the fire for hours, but officials said the chapel was completely destroyed. Eight people were hurt, and one of them is in critical condition.
A Quick Summary of What Happened Aspect Details
The LDS Church in Grand Blanc Township, MI is where it is.
Thomas Sanford, 40, a former Marine, was shot and killed by police.
InjuriesFive people are dead (four victims and one suspect), and eight are hurt.Assault rifle, car, and gas
AnswerPolice got involved within 8 minutes, and the FBI is now in charge of the investigation.
President Trump wrote on Truth Social that the shooting was part of a pattern of attacks on Christians. He connected it to other violent events, such as the shooting at a church in Minnesota and the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
Trump said he wanted to make religious sites safer by increasing federal protection. He did this by referring to his executive order that called Antifa a terrorist group.
Vice President JD Vance also said in a statement that people should pray for the victims and that the administration was keeping a close eye on the situation.
People who support Trump online echoed his call for stronger action against groups that are said to be causing violence. A lot of people used the Michigan tragedy as proof that faith groups are being attacked.
Strength in the Community
The community has been strong even after the destruction. People are calling the worshippers who protected children heroes, and many of their stories have gone viral on social media.
Nurses from a nearby hospital who were on strike left their picket line to help victims, showing how united the people in the area are.
Holy Redeemer Church and Trillium Theater have held vigils that have drawn hundreds of people to pray and remember. Neighbors said the attack was a painful reminder of the growing hate, but they also praised the unity that came after it.
The FBI is still looking into Sanford’s past. There is no manifesto, but officials say the attack seemed to have been planned.
Why It Matters
This sad event isn’t just a Michigan story. It shows that people are worried about the safety of religious groups in the US as a whole. Trump’s promise to protect religious sites shows that he is serious about protecting freedom of worship for his supporters.
A lot of people think the event was a warning that sacred places need to be protected in a country that is becoming more divided.
The investigation is still going on, but the focus is still on the victims, their families, and the bravery they showed in the face of violence. Grand Blanc Township’s community has made it clear that faith and unity will not be broken.
