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36m ago

FBI Examines Anti-Mormon Evidence in Michigan LDS Church Attack as Fundraiser for Shooter’s Family Grows

Federal investigators are assessing reported anti-Mormon animus to determine motive.

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Law enforcement stands nearby as demolition of the remains of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints begins Tuesday in Grand Blanc, Mich.
Investigators at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc Township, Mich., on Sept. 30, 2025.
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Overview

  • Authorities say Thomas Jacob Sanford, 40, rammed a truck into a Grand Blanc Township Latter-day Saint meetinghouse on Sunday, opened fire, set the building on fire, killed four people and wounded eight, and then died after exchanging gunfire with police.
  • The FBI is leading the case and the ATF’s National Response Team is analyzing the fire scene, with officials saying no formal motive has been determined.
  • Acquaintances and a recent local political candidate report Sanford repeatedly disparaged Latter-day Saints, including saying “Mormons are the Antichrist,” and the White House cited the FBI director in describing him as hating people of the Mormon faith.
  • Newly obtained Utah records appear to show a 2010 DUI arrest for a man with Sanford’s name and birthdate, a development reporters say is being reviewed and contextualized by investigators.
  • A survivor posted a letter saying she forgave the gunman at the scene, and a GiveSendGo campaign launched by a church member for the shooter’s widow and children has raised about $90,000.