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
Illegal immigrant allegedly causes fatal semi-truck crash on highway, killing driver: officials

Tragic Highway Collision: Unauthorized Immigrant Implicated in Fatal Semi-Truck Crash, Driver Deceased

An undocumented immigrant in Indiana has been detained following his alleged involvement…
Charlotte teen arrested 111 times in 2 years still walking free in soft-on-crime blue city: police

Charlotte Teen’s 111 Arrests: A Startling Tale of Crime and Consequence in a Lenient City

In Charlotte, North Carolina, the community grapples with the troubling case of…
Former NFL player who died in police custody battled injuries and mental health challenges

Ex-NFL Star’s Tragic End Highlights Struggles with Injuries and Mental Health

Nearly two decades ago, Doug Martin made his way to Boise State…
Vance warns Hamas as Gaza peace plan's Civilian Military Cooperation Center opens

US Diplomat Vance Issues Strong Warning to Hamas Amid Launch of Gaza’s New Peace Initiative Center

Vice President JD Vance delivered a stern message to Hamas on Tuesday…
Georgia man arrested for allegedly shooting at North Carolina home after tearing down Trump banner

Georgia Resident Arrested for Alleged Gunfire at North Carolina Home Following Trump Banner Removal

Authorities have apprehended a Georgia man accused of tearing down a Trump…
The time is now to unleash Jaxson Dart on your fantasy football league

Now is the Moment to Introduce Jaxson Dart to Your Fantasy Football Lineup

The Denver Broncos’ thrilling comeback against the New York Giants on Sunday…
Colombia’s president muses about getting 'rid of' Trump amid drug feud

Colombian President Contemplates Action Against Trump Amid Ongoing Drug Dispute

WASHINGTON — In a startling interview, Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro voiced provocative…
Man who sent 'So I raped you' message to New Jersey woman sentenced for 2013 Gettysburg College campus assault

New Jersey Woman’s Assailant Sentenced for 2013 Campus Assault Following Disturbing Message

A man who admitted to sexually assaulting a woman in college in…
Blue Jays beat Mariners in Game 7 of ALCS, now face Dodgers in World Series

Blue Jays Triumph Over Mariners in ALCS Finale, Set to Face Dodgers in World Series Showdown

The Toronto Blue Jays triumphed over the Seattle Mariners, clinching a 4-3…
Man arrested, accused of trying to smuggle drugs into Ware County Jail

Attempted Drug Smuggling Foiled at Ware County Jail: Suspect in Custody

In a bold and unusual attempt to smuggle drugs into a correctional…
Demolition starts at White House East Wing to make way for Trump's ballroom

Historic Transformation: White House East Wing Undergoes Demolition for Trump’s Grand Ballroom Vision

Trump has announced plans for an expansive 90,000-square-foot ballroom, citing the East…
Trump hosts Senate Republicans at renovated White House as the shutdown drags into fourth week

Trump Welcomes Senate Republicans to Newly Renovated White House Amidst Ongoing Government Shutdown

Preschool programs across the country are urgently seeking federal funding, while the…