GRAND BLANC TOWNSHIP, Mich. – Chaos and tragedy during Sunday service in Grand Blanc Township.
Police are searching for a motive after a gunman targeted the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc Township and set it on fire. As the community mourns, investigators fear there may be more victims.
Previous coverage: Police respond to Grand Blanc Township church attack within minute of 911 call
At least four people are dead and many others are hurt since the shooting happened just before 10:30 a.m. on Sept. 28, 2025.
The suspect, Thomas Jacob Sanford, was killed in a shootout with two officers, police said.
The victims were taken to Henry Ford Genesys Hospital. Seven of those victims are in stable condition, and one is in critical condition.
Multiple people are still unaccounted for. More than 100 church members were inside when the shooting happened.
Read more: Grand Blanc Township church attack: Everything we know so far
The attack sent shockwaves through the community and people came together to support the church members who were attending the service when the shooting happened.
“We had already sung our Sacrament part, and we heard a big bang, and it blew the doors in the church. Everything after that was chaos,” said Paula Maser.
Maser, a primary teacher, recounted the horrifying moments after Sanford ran his truck into the church and opened fire.
In an interview with NBC, Maser said Sanford shot at her and other church members as they tried to escape.
“I got in the car with friends, I got my friend in the car, and we were getting ready to leave, and the shooter shot at the car, three bullets hit the car,” she said.
At the nearby Trillium theater, there were emotional moments as family members were reunited.
For church member Stephanie Giddings, who missed church to go to work on Sunday, learning what happened was gut-wrenching.
“We went out to go look at the church and pray on the grounds, but the street was blocked off. My daughter was just baptized there, so it’s hard,” said Giddings.
Community members pitched in, bringing food and drinks, offering rides, and trying to comfort families in any way they could.
“I had toys in my car, and there were kids sitting out here waiting, and so I went and got toys, and then I just have been sitting and waiting and trying to see if there is anything I can do to help,” said McKenzie Hedric.
Local churches came together with people of all faiths, praying for healing.
“Tonight, there’s no titles, we’re all just here to pray and ask God to help us,” said Anne Delisle.
If you or someone you know has been affected by the tragic event, help is available.
Resources are available at Henry Ford Genesys Health Club on Monday and Tuesday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Wednesday through Friday at the Grand Blanc Senior Center from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
For more information, call the Grand Blanc Township Police Department at (810) 424-2611.