Grand Blanc Township Church Attack

Michigan Church Shooting Leaves Four Dead

Photo by Kenny Eliason on Unsplash

On Sept. 28, Iraq War veteran Thomas Jacob Sanford attacked the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc Township, the small township of Genesee County in Michigan. 

During a large service, Sanford rammed his Chevrolet Silverado through the front of the church and proceeded to open fire on the church visitors using an assault rifle; then, using an accelerant, Sanford intentionally set a large fire that engulfed the church. Four people were killed and eight were injured. As a result of a shootout with first responders, 40-year-old Sanford was also killed in the church parking lot.

Researchers are still working on identifying Sanford’s motive, but the incident is being investigated as an act of targeted violence. A search of his residence is being conducted and warrants for pertinent digital media are being pursued. Sanford has a wife and a son, who was born with congenital hyperinsulinism.

“Don’t ever take having healthy kids for granted,” Sanford said. “We are proud of our child. I spent four years in the Marine Corps and was in Iraq, and this is still the most unique thing to deal with.”

Nine days after the incident, hundreds of Grand Blanc Township residents gathered to honor the victims. Bishop Jeffrey Schaub spoke words of hope, surrounded by other local faith leaders, and Township Supervisor Scott Bennet explained that this tragic incident “would not define the community.” There was also a standing ovation to first responders, who arrived at the scene that day promptly. Senator Slotkin is working to make sure that incidents like this will never happen again in Michigan.

“Everyone — no matter what faith you may belong to, should be able to practice their religion without fear of intimidation or violence,” Senator Slotkin said. “The Pray Safe Act will strengthen security for faith communities, at a time when we need it most. After the devastating church shooting and fire in Grand Blanc Township — on top of our synagogues, mosques and other houses of worship being targeted for years — it’s time for action. I look forward to working with my colleagues to get this bill passed and signed into law.”