Thomas Jacob Sanford

Mass Murderer

Thomas Jacob Sanford and the 2025 Grand Blanc Township Church Attack

Overview

Thomas Jacob Sanford was identified by authorities as the perpetrator of a deadly mass shooting, vehicle-ramming attack and arson at a meetinghouse of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc Township, Michigan. The attack occurred on Sunday, September 28, 2025, while hundreds of adults and children were attending a morning worship service. Sanford killed four members of the congregation and injured eight other people before he was fatally shot by responding law-enforcement officers. The 40-year-old Sanford lived in nearby Burton, Michigan, and was commonly known as Jake. Investigators said he acted alone. The assault appeared to have been carefully prepared because Sanford arrived with several weapons, gasoline, incendiary materials and suspected explosive devices. The FBI described the incident as an act of targeted violence and investigated evidence that Sanford held intense hostility toward members of the Latter-day Saint faith.

The Beginning of the Attack

At approximately 10:25 a.m. on September 28, Sanford drove a GMC Sierra pickup truck across the church property and deliberately crashed through a brick wall near the front of the meetinghouse. The impact tore open part of the building as worshippers were gathered inside. Witnesses initially struggled to understand what had happened, but the confusion quickly turned to panic when Sanford emerged from the vehicle carrying a rifle. Sanford began firing at members of the congregation. People attempted to flee through exits, hide in rooms or help children and elderly worshippers escape. Some congregants remained behind to assist injured people while others guided families away from the burning structure. The victims ranged in age from six to 78, although the youngest wounded child survived. During the attack, Sanford reportedly fired at people attempting to leave and at a vehicle being used to evacuate elderly church members. Five surviving victims suffered gunshot wounds. Several others were affected by smoke as the attack developed into a major fire emergency.

Deliberate Arson and Explosive Devices

After opening fire, Sanford deliberately ignited a fire inside the church. Investigators determined that gasoline was used as an accelerant. The wood and other combustible materials within the meetinghouse allowed the flames to spread rapidly, producing heavy smoke and destroying most of the structure. Two victims died from injuries associated with the fire and were found after firefighters brought the blaze under control. The extensive damage complicated the search for victims and evidence. Emergency crews spent hours examining the unstable ruins to make certain that everyone inside had been located. Authorities also discovered suspected improvised explosive and incendiary devices connected to Sanford. Several devices were reportedly found in or near his truck, although investigators did not initially determine that they had successfully detonated. Additional weapons were recovered, including firearms that Sanford apparently brought to the scene but did not use during the principal attack. ...

Confirmed Victims: (5)

Craig Hayden 72 yr old Male

Who was Thomas Sanford, the Michigan shooting suspect