GRAND BLANC TOWNSHIP, Mich. – Police arrived at the Grand Blanc Township church attack scene roughly 30 seconds after receiving the 911 call.
At least 10 people were injured and at least four were killed during the attack.
During a press conference Sunday, Sept. 28, Police Chief Bill Renye said they received a 911 call at 10:25 a.m. about a shooting at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on McCandlish Road.
According to authorities, a man drove a truck through the church’s front doors before exiting and opening fire with an assault rifle.
Renye said police arrived at the scene before 10:26 a.m., just seconds after the 911 call.
After the shooting, the suspect was confronted by an officer from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and a Grand Blanc Township police officer who had responded to the scene.
Police said the suspect, identified as 40-year-old Thomas Jacob Sanford, was shot and killed in the parking lot at 10:33 a.m.
The FBI described the attack as “targeted violence” and has since taken over the investigation.
Anyone with information is asked to call 1-800-CALL-FBI. You can report a tip online here.
Here’s what we know so far.
Deaths, injuries
Police said 10 people from the church had been taken to nearby hospitals. Two of those people have been pronounced dead. The second person who died was pronounced dead from gunshot wounds at a hospital, Renye said.
One of the eight injured people was in critical condition as of 5 p.m. and the other seven were stable.
Renye confirmed at 8 p.m. Sunday that authorities found two bodies inside the church after the fire was extinguished.
Multiple people are still unaccounted for.
Church fire
When police arrived at the church, they found it fully engulfed in flames. They said they believe Sanford deliberately set the fire using an accelerant, possibly gasoline.
The fire was extinguished by Grand Blanc Township firefighters between noon and 1 p.m. It is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
What’s next?
Police said they are still early in the investigation, and they are working to try to figure out Sanford’s motive.
They’re searching his home in Burton. They also said they will go through his cellphone records.
The FBI sent 100 agents to the scene to help authorities interview the many witnesses who were at the church.
Police: No further danger to public
Renye said police believe that the suspected shooter acted alone, and they have no other suspects.
They said there is no further danger to the public.
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims of this incident, which was completely unnecessary and avoidable,” Renye said.
IEDs found inside suspected shooter’s vehicle
Local 4’s Nick Monacelli confirmed that three IEDs were found inside the suspected shooter’s vehicle during the police investigation.
Search at shooter’s home
Following the attack, the Michigan State Police Bomb Squad and SWAT teams conducted a thorough search of the suspect’s home. Bomb squad robots were used to safely inspect the property.
Multiple improvised explosive devices were found in the suspect’s vehicle, prompting authorities to treat the scene as potentially containing more explosives.
Just before 9 p.m. Sunday, Michigan State Police cleared the home, and more than a dozen FBI vehicles arrived. FBI agents are expected to conduct a detailed search as part of their ongoing investigation.
What Gov. Whitmer said
Here’s what Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said in response to the shooting:
My heart is breaking for the Grand Blanc community. Violence anywhere, especially in a place of worship, is unacceptable. I am grateful to the first responders who took action quickly. We will continue to monitor this situation and hold the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc close.
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer
Genesee County sheriff’s statement
Here’s what Gensee County Sheriff Chris Swanson said in response to the shooting:
This is a heartbreaking and tragic day for our community. We are working closely with Grand Blanc Township Police and other local, state, and federal partners to bring answers and provide support for the victims, their families, and everyone impacted by this senseless act of violence.
Gensee County Sheriff Chris Swanson
Grand Blanc Township trustee speaks
Joel Feick, a resident of Grand Blanc Township and a member of its Board of Trustees, spoke to Local 4 just after the shooting.
“I was not home when it happened, but this happened right next to my condo,” Feick said. “My neighbors heard the gunfire. They heard the screaming, the windows. They saw the truck. It’s horrific.
Feick said he doesn’t yet have any additional details about what happened.
“I know that you can see the smoke from I-75 a couple of miles away, from this church just burning,” Feick said. “So, clearly, somebody set this church on fire. We’ve never seen anything like this.”
Feick said he’s never heard of anything like this happening in Grand Blanc since he’s been a resident.
“It’s very peaceful,” Feick said. “It’s very sad, and it’s horrific. On a Sunday, and people are at church? It’s awful.”
Sen. John Cherry statement
Here’s what Michigan Sen. John Cherry (D-Flint) said in response to the shooting:
I am deeply saddened by the news today of the tragic act of violence that happened here in Genesee County. My family and I extend our hearts to those injured and killed, their families, and their church family, and all who endured this traumatic experience today. To terrorize people in a place of worship, where their hopes are highest and their faith strongest, is particularly sickening and has rocked our entire community.
I want to express my deepest gratitude to all of the first responders from multiple agencies and communities who rushed to the scene and continue to help those affected.
The congregation, the people of Grand Blanc, and our Genesee County community as a whole will need to heal and rebuild emotionally and physically, and I hope we can all come together to support them and one another during these trying and terrifying times.
Michigan Sen. John Cherry
Oakland County prosecutor statement
Here’s what Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald said in response to the shooting:
Americans have a right to feel safe at church. My heart goes out to the victims of the tragic shooting at Grand Blanc’s LDS church. But sympathy is not enough. Gun violence is a public health crisis. We have an obligation to find solutions to this deadly problem, so that everyone can be safe at church, school, and other public places.
Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald
Rep. Kristen McDonald Rivet statement
Here’s what Michigan Rep. Kristen McDonald Rivet (MI-08) said in response to the shooting:
I am beyond devastated by the shooting this morning at Grand Blanc’s Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Joseph and I are praying for the victims and the entire Grand Blanc community. This kind of violence in a place of worship is despicable.
Thank you to the first responders for your brave work to ensure our community’s safety. I urge all residents to avoid the area and give them space to respond to the situation.
Our team and I will continue to monitor the situation and be with our neighbors in Grand Blanc as we navigate this tragedy together.
Michigan Rep. Kristen McDonald Rivet