• Four people were killed and eight injured in a shooting at a Michigan church during a Sunday service.
• The shooter, identified as Thomas Jacob Sanford, was a Marine Corps veteran who opened fire and set the church ablaze.
• The FBI is investigating the incident as an act of targeted violence, seeking to determine the motive behind the attack.

On September 28, 2025, a mass shooting occurred at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc Township, Michigan, claiming the lives of four individuals and injuring at least eight others. The perpetrator, identified as Thomas Jacob Sanford, 40, drove his vehicle through the church's front doors before opening fire on hundreds of worshippers attending the service. Following the shooting, he reportedly set the church ablaze using an accelerant, according to local authorities.

Grand Blanc Township Police Chief William Renye confirmed that the shooter was neutralized within minutes after exchanging gunfire with law enforcement. The FBI has launched an investigation, categorizing the incident as an act of targeted violence. Authorities are currently conducting interviews with impacted individuals to uncover potential motives and determine whether the church had faced threats in the past. As of now, officials have stated that all known victims have been accounted for, though there was significant concern during the chaotic aftermath.

Among the deceased was John Bond, who was remembered as a devoted family man and former US Navy veteran. He was known within his community and enjoyed spending time with his loved ones, highlighting the tragic loss felt by those affected. The attack occurred shortly after Russell M. Nelson, the previous president of the church, passed away, drawing additional attention to the event.

The incident represents another disturbing addition to the growing concern over violence in places of worship in the United States. Public officials, including Governor Gretchen Whitmer, have expressed their condolences and urged residents to refrain from speculation while investigations proceed. The church community and local residents continue to mourn while searching for answers regarding this unsettling tragedy.