Man who rammed truck into church building, opened fire on worshippers, and set church ablaze is identified

-SEB Editorial-

Tragedy in Michigan - Unraveling the Attack on a House of Worship

In a harrowing act of violence that has shaken the community of Grand Blanc Township, Michigan, authorities have identified the man responsible for a deadly assault on a church congregation.

Thomas Jacob Sanford, a 40-year-old resident of Burton, Michigan, was named as the perpetrator behind the attack on The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints during Sunday morning services on September 28, 2025.

According to law enforcement officials, Sanford drove a pickup truck into the church building at approximately 10:25 a.m., crashing through its front doors while hundreds of worshippers were gathered inside. He then exited the vehicle and opened fire with an assault rifle, striking multiple individuals before setting the building ablaze using gasoline as an accelerant. The chaos culminated in a shootout with responding officers in the church parking lot, where Sanford was fatally wounded.

The toll of the attack is devastating: four people were confirmed dead, including two who succumbed to gunfire and two whose bodies were recovered from the fire. Eight others sustained injuries, with one in critical condition and the rest reported to be stable. Authorities have cautioned that additional victims may still be discovered as the wreckage is combed through.

Sanford, a former U.S. Marine who served in Iraq between 2004 and 2008, had lived in Burton, a town just eight miles from the site of the attack. While his military background and family history, including a son battling a rare disease, have been noted, investigators have yet to determine a clear motive. However, early insights from the FBI suggest that Sanford harbored animosity toward members of the Mormon faith, prompting speculation that the attack may have been ideologically driven.

The FBI has taken the lead in the investigation, classifying the incident as an act of “targeted violence.” Multiple search warrants have been executed at Sanford’s residence, and his family is reportedly cooperating with authorities. Despite these efforts, officials have urged the public to come forward with any information that might shed light on Sanford’s intentions or planning.

Church leaders and community members have expressed profound grief and called for unity, prayer, and support for the victims and their families.

As the investigation continues, the tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of sacred spaces and the urgent need for vigilance and compassion in the face of senseless violence.