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52m ago

FBI Leads Probe After Michigan LDS Church Attack Kills 4, Injures 8

Detectives are assessing suspected explosive devices alongside indications that gasoline was used to ignite the blaze.

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Emergency crews respond to a shooting and fire at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, in Grand Blanc, Mich., Sept. 28, 2025. (David Guralnick/Detroit News via AP)
A 40-year-old man from Burton was suspected to be behind the Michigan church shooting, authorities shared, adding that the suspect was dead.
A vehicle that was rammed into the building is surrounded by smoke as a firefighter works on the scene at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc, Mich., Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025.

Overview

  • Police say all victims are accounted for after a sweep of the charred ruins, with the church declared a total loss.
  • The attacker, identified as 40-year-old former Marine Thomas Jacob Sanford of Burton, was shot dead about eight minutes after the assault began following an officer arrival within roughly 30 seconds.
  • Authorities report eight people injured, ages 6 to 78, including at least five with gunshot wounds and others with smoke inhalation, with one patient in critical condition.
  • Investigators say the assailant rammed a pickup into the building, opened fire with an assault-style rifle, and used gasoline to start the fire; suspected devices were found and his residence was searched.
  • The FBI is treating the case as an act of targeted violence with ATF support, and officials say the motive remains under investigation.