4 Dead, 8 Injured in Grand Blanc Township Church Shooting; Burton Candidate Recounts Chilling Encounter with Suspect

Victims range from 6 to 78 as gunman opens fire in Grand Blanc Township church.

GRAND BLANC TOWNSHIP, Mich. — Authorities say four people are dead and eight others are injured after a gunman opened fire inside a Grand Blanc Township church Sunday morning, sending worshippers scrambling for cover during a service that ended in tragedy.

Grand Blanc Township Police Chief William Renye confirmed that everyone who had been inside the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has been accounted for. Officers responded within seconds of a 911 call and exchanged gunfire with the suspect. The shooter, identified as Thomas Jacob Sanford, 40, of Burton, was killed at the scene.

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Police said Sanford drove his pickup truck through the church’s front doors before opening fire. He also started a fire inside the building before being stopped by police. Investigators have not released a motive but are continuing to look into Sanford’s background and possible grievances.

Authorities said the victims range in age from 6 to 78 years old, reflecting the wide impact on families and multiple generations within the congregation.

Among those shaken by the incident is Burton City Council candidate Kris Johns, who said in an interview with journalist Dave Bondy that he unknowingly spoke with Sanford just days before the attack while canvassing for his campaign.

“I came across a gentleman who was very friendly,” Johns said. “We just started to talk, and after a short while the conversation went to the Church of Latter-day Saints. He made the position multiple times that Mormons are the anti-Christ.”

Johns said Sanford described himself as a former Marine who had lived in Utah and once dated a woman who was part of the church. Sanford reportedly mentioned removing his tattoos to participate in church ceremonies.

“He was extremely nice at first,” Johns said. “He even talked about his child who had a serious medical concern. But when the conversation turned to religion, I just wanted to get off the door and away from him.”

Johns said Sanford’s tone became intense but never crossed into threats or violence.
“It wasn’t anything I thought I needed to call police about,” he said. “You hear all kinds of views these days. Nothing about it suggested he was going to hurt anyone.”

After hearing news of the shooting, Johns said he immediately recognized Sanford’s face from media coverage.
“I saw his picture and I was in shock,” he said. “It’s insane. My daughter’s therapist’s office is right down the road. I just couldn’t believe it.”

Police said hundreds of worshippers, including children, were inside the church at the time of the shooting. Fire crews quickly contained the blaze, and victims were taken to local hospitals.

“My heart breaks for everyone involved,” Johns said. “We all need to be praying for the victims, for law enforcement, and for our community.”

Authorities are urging anyone with additional information to contact Grand Blanc Township Police as they continue their investigation into the shooting and fire.