A day of worship turned violent on Sunday in Michigan. A former Marine drove his truck into a church, then opened fire on the congregation. He set the building on fire during the attack. The Michigan church shooting left at least four people dead and eight others wounded.
The attack targeted the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on McCandlish Road during its busy 10 a.m. service, transforming a house of prayer into a scene of chaos and tragedy.
A quiet Sunday service in a Michigan church turned into a scene of horror as a gunman unleashed fire and bullets, leaving a community in mourning and a nation confronting another act of violence against a place of worship.
Chaos and Carnage: How the Michigan Church Attack Unfolded
The horror began at approximately 10:25 a.m. on September 28, 2025. According to police, 40-year-old Thomas Jacob Sanford deliberately drove his four-door pickup truck—which had two American flags in its bed—into the front of the chapel.
He then exited the vehicle armed with an assault rifle and began shooting at worshippers. The sound of the crash and subsequent gunfire sent the congregation into a panic.
“We heard a big bang, and the doors flew open,” said Paula Maser, a church member who was present. “Everything after that was chaos.”
Within 30 seconds of the first 911 call, Grand Blanc Township police officers were on the scene. As the Michigan church shooter fled the building, two officers pursued him to the rear parking lot. After an exchange of gunfire, Sanford was killed just eight minutes after the initial attack began.
A Sanctuary Engulfed: The Michigan Church Burning Investigation
Tragically, the violence extended beyond gunfire. Authorities confirmed that the suspect used an accelerant, believed to be gasoline, to deliberately ignite the blaze. The fire spread rapidly, engulfing the red-brick building and producing massive plumes of black smoke visible for miles.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) also reported finding “suspected explosive devices” at the scene, though it is unclear if they were deployed. Firefighters battled the flames for hours before the fire was extinguished, leaving the chapel a “total loss,” according to Police Chief William Renye.
The devastating Michigan church-on-fire scene forced first responders into a dual mission: rescuing victims and fighting an inferno.
Victims and the Search for Answers in the Michigan Church Shooting
The human toll of the Michigan church attack is severe. As of Sunday evening, four people were confirmed dead, with at least two fatalities resulting from gunshot wounds. Eight others were transported to hospitals; one victim was listed in critical condition, while the other seven were stabilized.
Authorities fear the death toll may rise, as the intense fire has hampered search efforts. “We are working tirelessly to find additional bodies,” Chief Renye stated, noting that some people remain unaccounted for and that the search through the debris would continue.
Amid the tragedy, stories of heroism emerged. Chief Renye praised church members who acted quickly to shield children and move them to safety during the attack.
Who Did It? Profile of the Michigan Church Shooter
The man responsible for the Michigan church shooting has been identified as Thomas Jacob Sanford, 40, of nearby Burton, Michigan.
Sanford was a former U.S. Marine who served from 2004 to 2008. His service included a deployment to Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom, and he held the rank of sergeant upon his discharge. Military records show he worked as an organizational automotive mechanic and was awarded several medals.
The motive for the Michigan church shooting remains unclear. The FBI is leading the investigation and has classified the attack as an “act of targeted violence.” It is not yet known if Sanford had any connection to the LDS church or its members. Investigators are processing evidence from the scene and have searched his residence.
A Community and a Nation React
The attack has sent shockwaves through the tight-knit community and drawn national attention. The shooting occurred on a “fast Sunday” for the LDS faith, a day dedicated to fasting and charitable reflection, and came just one day after the death of the church’s global leader, President Russell M. Nelson.
“This act of violence has no place in our state or anywhere else in our country,” said Reuben Coleman, acting special agent in charge of the FBI’s Detroit field office.
Striking nurses from a nearby hospital temporarily left their picket line to aid the wounded, with their union president stating, “Human lives matter more than our labor dispute.”
This Michigan church scandal, a profound violation of a sacred space, is the latest in a long series of shootings at American houses of worship, leaving a community to grieve and seek solace in the face of unimaginable loss.
Disclaimer: The news and information presented on our platform, Thriver Media, are curated from verified and authentic sources, including major news agencies and official channels.
Want more? Subscribe to Thriver Media and never miss a beat.
