A Growing Congregation, a Sacred Sunday—Then Chaos
On Sunday morning, September 28, 2025, members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc Township, Michigan, gathered for their weekly worship—a quiet, family-centered service steeped in tradition. But their sanctuary became a crime scene when a gunman rammed a truck through the church wall and opened fire, killing four and wounding eight others.
The Grand Blanc Township church suffered severe fire and structural damage after the attack. (Credit: The New York Times)
A Thriving, Tight-Knit Community
The targeted church was not just any building—it was a spiritual home to about 150 active members, with steady growth in recent years. According to Justin Jensen, a 19-year-old missionary who frequently attended services there:
“They have a steady and consistent amount of people being baptized… It’s one of the largest congregations in the area.”
Most attendees were families—some local, others relocated from out of state—united by shared faith, service, and weekly rituals.
What Happens During a Latter-day Saints Sunday Service?
Latter-day Saint services are led entirely by lay volunteers—no paid clergy. A typical two-hour Sunday includes:
- Sacrament Meeting (Hour 1): Congregants sing hymns, listen to sermons by members, and partake in the sacrament (bread and water symbolizing Christ’s sacrifice)
- Classes (Hour 2): Age-specific gospel instruction
- Leadership: Local leaders (bishops, teachers) are unpaid volunteers
- Music: Hymns from green hymnals; often accompanied by piano or organ
The attack occurred during the first hour—when families sit together in pews, including children and elderly members.
A Day of Mourning—and a Prophet’s Passing
The tragedy was compounded by timing: church services across the globe had been adjusted to honor the death of Russell M. Nelson, the 101-year-old prophet and president of the church, who died the day before.
Many congregations, including Grand Blanc’s, opened with solemn hymns like “We Thank Thee, O God, for a Prophet”—making the violence even more jarring.
Community in Shock
Matthew Seamons, a young missionary from a nearby congregation in Lapeer, Michigan, summed up the disbelief:
“The fact that it’s happening at a church just blew my mind. You don’t shoot up churches, you don’t shoot up kids, and you don’t shoot up mothers.”
Neighbors described the church as welcoming and active in local outreach. There were no known security threats or prior incidents.
Attack Timeline Summary
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| ~10:15 a.m. | Suspect crashes silver pickup truck into church wall |
| ~10:17 a.m. | Gunfire erupts inside; fire breaks out |
| ~10:25 a.m. | Suspect killed by police; 4 dead, 8 injured |
| Later that day | 2 additional bodies found in charred rubble |
Unanswered Questions
Authorities have not confirmed a motive. The suspect, identified as 40-year-old Thomas Jacob Sanford of Burton, MI—a Marine veteran with no known ties to the church—was described by acquaintances as “normal” and “a nice guy.”
Why this church? Why this day? Investigators are reviewing digital records, witness statements, and possible ideological triggers—but so far, silence.
A Faith That Endures
Despite the devastation, Latter-day Saints leaders have emphasized resilience. Congregations across Michigan held vigils, and church officials pledged full support for rebuilding—both the structure and the community’s spirit.
“Evil may strike, but love will always have the final word,” said a regional church spokesperson.
