Key Highlights
- The FBI confirmed that Thomas Jacob Sanford was motivated by anti-religious beliefs against The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
- Six people were killed and nine were injured in the shooting at a sacrament meeting on September 28, 2025.
- Sanford slammed his pickup into the building before entering to shoot attendees.
- Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles traveled to minister to victims and families.
FBI Reveals Motive in Grand Blanc Church Attack: Anti-Religious Beliefs
The FBI officially confirmed on Friday that the attack at a Latter-day Saint meetinghouse in Grand Blanc Township, Michigan, was motivated by anti-religious beliefs. The shooter, Thomas Jacob Sanford, 40, killed four people and injured nine during an incident that unfolded on September 28, 2025.
Sanford’s attack began with a vehicle ramming into the building before he entered and opened fire on attendees. Four victims were identified as Craig Hayden, John Bond, Thelma Armstrong, and William “Pat” Howard. The community mourned their loss, while responders worked tirelessly to help those injured.
Special Agent Jennifer Runyan of the FBI Detroit field office stated in a prerecorded video message that this was a targeted act of violence driven by Sanford’s anti-religious beliefs against the Mormon religious community. “I am confirming this is a targeted act of violence believed to be motivated by the assailant’s anti-religious beliefs against the Mormon religious community,” Runyan said.
Massacre at the Grand Blanc Stake Center
The attack occurred during a sacrament meeting in the Grand Blanc Stake Center. On September 28, 2025, Sanford crashed his pickup into the building’s exterior wall, then entered and began shooting at attendees who had run outside to help those injured from the initial impact. After entering the building, Sanford continued to shoot, leading to a tragic outcome for several individuals.
Emergency services responded quickly, with firefighters and law enforcement officers working diligently to contain the situation and provide aid to the wounded. The scene was captured by multiple photographers and journalists, documenting the chaos and response efforts.
Community Response and Support
The community and church leaders rallied around those affected by the tragedy. Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles traveled from Salt Lake City to minister to the wounded and families of the deceased.
He spoke about the promise of Jesus Christ’s Atonement, which he said gives people strength in difficult times.
Community members also showed their support through fundraising efforts. A fundraiser for Sanford’s widow and special needs son raised over $388,000, while funds were also collected to assist the families of the victims and those injured. Overall, more than $1.3 million was raised in response to the tragedy.
Grand Blanc Township police released body camera footage showing officers confronting Sanford at the church. The incident underscored the complexity of these situations for law enforcement as they attempted to de-escalate the confrontation before it escalated further.
Outreach and Healing
In response to the attack, Grand Blanc Stake President Marcelino Sanchez encouraged community members to continue their faith and unity in the face of adversity. In an op-ed published by the Detroit Free Press, he wrote, “As we navigate through this challenging time, let us cling to our faith in the Savior and to one another, knowing that together, we can overcome even the darkest of days.”
The community’s response highlighted the strength and resilience often seen in religious communities facing such traumatic events. The support for both victims and their families continues as healing efforts are ongoing.
