FBI investigating Michigan church shooting as 'targeted' violence; some worshippers unaccounted for
Share this @internewscast.com

The FBI is looking into the Michigan church shooting and fire as an incident of targeted violence. 

Authorities have identified 40-year-old ex-Marine Thomas Jacob Sanford as the suspect in the attack on the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc. Allegedly, Sanford drove a pickup truck into the church during a crowded Sunday service, opened fire, and set the structure aflame. 

Sanford, who was reportedly from Burton, a nearby small town, was killed by police after allegedly taking the lives of at least four people and injuring eight. 

“At this moment, I can confirm the FBI has taken over the case and is looking into it as an incident of targeted violence,” stated Reuben Coleman, the acting special agent in charge of the FBI’s Detroit Field Office, on Sunday. 

Truck into MI LDS church closeup

A truck crashed into the building is seen amidst smoke as a firefighter attends to the scene at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc, Michigan, on Sunday, September 28, 2025.  (Lukas Katilius/The Flint Journal )

More victims may be discovered as Grand Blanc Township Police Chief William Renye informed reporters that search efforts continue throughout the church. According to The Associated Press, among the injured, one person was in critical condition on Sunday evening, while the remaining seven were stable.

MI LDS Church vigil

Individuals holding candles attend a vigil for the church shooting at Holy Redeemer Church in Burton, Michigan, on Sunday, September 28, 2025.  (Jose Juarez)

Sanford’s motive is not yet clear. Investigators were searching Sanford’s home, but authorities did not say what they found or provide any additional details about him, including whether he was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, widely known as the Mormon church.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Jaxson Dart returns in time for Joe Schoen’s last Giants stand

Jaxson Dart’s Timely Comeback Marks Pivotal Moment for Joe Schoen’s Final Giants Game

Jaxson Dart’s anticipated comeback to the field for the New York Giants…
Did anyone win the $490M Powerball jackpot? Winning numbers for Monday, Nov. 10

Has Monday’s $740 Million Powerball Jackpot Found a Winner?

The anticipation continues to build as the Powerball jackpot swells to an…
How can Giants let Joe Schoen lead coach search after Boston Massacre?

Giants’ Next Move: Can Joe Schoen Lead the Charge for a New Coach After Recent Setback?

FOXBOROUGH — The Giants faced no worries about squandering a lead this…
Drug kingpin El Chapo's son enters plea in multibillion-dollar drug trafficking case

El Chapo’s Son Pleads in Major Multibillion-Dollar Drug Trafficking Case: Key Developments Unfold

Joaquín Guzmán López, the son of infamous cartel leader Joaquín “El Chapo”…
Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco pack on the PDA during NBA date night

Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco Spark Romance Rumors with PDA-Filled NBA Date Night

The crowd went wild! Selena Gomez was spotted sharing a tender moment…
Minnesota judge under fire for tossing $7.2M taxpayer-fraud conviction tied to alleged ‘lavish lifestyle’

Minnesota Judge Faces Scrutiny After Overturning $7.2 Million Taxpayer Fraud Conviction Linked to Alleged Extravagant Lifestyle

A judge in Minnesota is under scrutiny after reversing a guilty verdict…
Mamdani-appointed NYC professor who wrote book on ending policing now tasked with shaping community safety

NYC’s New Community Safety Visionary: Meet the Professor Behind the Movement to End Policing

A sociology professor from Brooklyn College, who recently joined New York Mayor-elect…
School bus driver knits beanies for students to spread warmth and love

Heartfelt Stitches: School Bus Driver Warms Students’ Heads and Hearts with Handmade Beanies

Tina Hutcherson, a dedicated school bus driver, is knitting beanies to ensure…
Gurnee couple films 'Exes of Christmas Past' movie in Chicago, Libertyville, Woodstock; director Jake Jarvi grew up on North Shore

Gurnee Couple Shoots ‘Exes of Christmas Past’ Film Across Chicago, Libertyville, and Woodstock; Directed by North Shore Native Jake Jarvi

CHICAGO (WLS) — As the holiday season approaches, many indulge in a…
Judge says former Trump lawyer Alina Habba has been unlawfully serving as US attorney in New Jersey

Court Confirms Alina Habba’s Removal from New Jersey Attorney Role

In a significant legal decision this week, a federal appeals court ruled…
Sentencing date set for man who pleaded guilty to running over infant, denied jail accommodations

Sentencing Scheduled for Man Guilty of Running Over Infant Amid Denied Jail Accommodations

The father of the late 8-month-old Pablo Kye Golden is scheduled for…
Luigi Mangione fights to exclude evidence as anniversary of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson's murder nears

Luigi Mangione Battles to Suppress Evidence Ahead of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson’s Murder Anniversary: Legal Tensions Rise

NEW YORK — As the one-year mark of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson’s…