A horrifying attack during a Sunday service left a quiet Michigan community reeling as police bodycam video captured the chaotic and deadly moments officers confronted an armed suspect at a church.
According to Fox News, on September 28, 2025, a man drove into a Grand Blanc church, opened fire, ignited a fire inside, killed four people, and injured eight others before being fatally shot by law enforcement.
The attack occurred shortly after 10:25 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc, Michigan. The suspect, 34-year-old Thomas Jacob Sanford, rammed his vehicle into the building amid a Sunday service. After breaching the structure, he began firing a weapon and lit a fire inside, causing chaos among the congregants.
Police were alerted at 10:25 a.m. following a 911 call reporting the disturbance. Officers from the Grand Blanc Township Police Department arrived on-site two minutes later at 10:27 a.m., according to official reports. The swift response played a critical role in limiting further casualties. The Grand Blanc Township Police Department released body camera video showing the immediate police action as they approached and entered the scene. The footage reveals officers advancing quickly while exchanging shouted commands under the sound of nearby gunfire.
Police Bodycam Video Captures Confrontation With Armed Suspect
The bodycam video, now released publicly, offers a graphic look at the tense moments. Officers can be heard shouting commands like “Drop the gun now” and “Shoot him” as they closed in on Sanford outside the church. The video ends with Sanford lying on the ground in the parking lot, fatally wounded.
“Get on the ground,” one officer can be heard yelling in the footage. The immediate orders and rapid response helped neutralize the shooter before he could inflict additional harm, officials said. Authorities confirmed that Sanford was shot by police at the scene and died shortly thereafter. Four churchgoers died during the incident, and eight others were hospitalized with injuries. Officials have not yet released the identities of the victims or the nature of their injuries. The fire set within the building has since been extinguished, and investigators are now working to determine the extent of the destruction.
Authorities Investigating Possible Motive in Church Shooting
The FBI is conducting a full investigation, describing the incident as one of “targeted violence.” Initial findings suggest that Sanford held animus toward members of the Mormon faith, though investigators have not yet determined what level of planning was involved or whether any documents indicating intent were left behind.
During a press conference, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated: “Based on my conversations with the FBI director, all they know right now is this was an individual who hated people of the Mormon faith.” She emphasized that more information regarding motive, preplanning, or any notes left behind would be addressed by the FBI as the investigation continues. Leavitt went on to commend the officers for their swift work. “Local police officers were on the ground of this scene within minutes and neutralized this shooter, no doubt saving lives, and they should be commended. Our police officers are heroes,” she said, affirming the administration’s continued support for law enforcement.
Community and Family Responses to the Tragedy
As the community grapples with grief and loss, the father of the shooter has issued a statement apologizing to the families affected. The statement, confirmed by Fox 2 Detroit, acknowledged the horror of Sanford’s actions and extended condolences, though the father's motivations or awareness of his son’s intentions remain unclear.
Grand Blanc Police Chief William Renye addressed the public, underscoring the professionalism of the responding officers. “The video shows what law enforcement is trained to do,” Renye said at a press briefing, noting that immediate action likely prevented an even worse outcome. The church has not yet commented publicly on the tragedy. Meanwhile, support services, including grief counselors and community support meetings, have been organized for survivors and residents impacted by the event.
Investigation Continues as Officials Seek More Answers
FBI agents remain on-site and are gathering evidence to understand more about Sanford’s planning and motivations. Investigators are also interviewing witnesses, attending physicians, and church community members to gather context about events leading up to the tragedy.
Officials have not confirmed whether Sanford had prior interactions with law enforcement or any known affiliations with extremist groups. They are currently reviewing any digital records, writings, or communications that might shed light on how the attack was conceived and carried out. As details continue to emerge, officials are asking anyone with information to come forward. The FBI has opened a public tip line to support the ongoing inquiry and ensure all leads are thoroughly examined.
Nation Reacts to One of the Deadliest Church Attacks in 2025
Sunday’s mass shooting is one of the deadliest to strike a house of worship in the United States this year. The attack has raised renewed concern about religiously motivated violence and the need for enhanced security at public places of worship.
Grand Blanc officials have increased patrols at local churches and have encouraged religious leaders to report any threats or unusual activity. Michigan authorities are also reviewing public safety protocols and evaluating potential policy changes in the wake of the incident. As the city of Grand Blanc mourns, officials say they remain committed to uncovering the full scope of the shooter’s actions and ensuring justice for the victims and their families.
