Tragedy in Grand Blanc: Fire and shooting at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
29 september 2025 в 00:13
On Sunday, September 28, 2025, a fire and shooting occurred at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc, Michigan. At the time of publication, it has been confirmed that two people died, and several others were injured. The suspected shooter also died, and his identity was later revealed on the same day.
Doug Andersen, a representative of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, released a statement about the tragedy.
«Today at the chapel of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc, Michigan, a tragic act of violence occurred», - Andersen began his statement. «During Sunday worship services, the shooter opened fire, and initial reports indicate that several people were injured. We ask for cooperation with local authorities as more details come in. The church is in contact with local law enforcement as the investigation continues and updates on the condition of the victims are received. We thank the first responders who are assisting the victims and their families».
The statement concluded with the words: «We are deeply grateful for the prayers and concern shown by many people around the world. In moments of sorrow and uncertainty, we find strength and comfort through our faith in Jesus Christ. Places of worship should be sanctuaries of peace, prayer, and connection. We pray for peace and healing for all those affected by this event».
Get updates on the situation in Grand Blanc, Michigan, below.
Those associated with the community of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are also known as Mormons. This non-trinitarian restorationist Christian denomination has its central office in Salt Lake City, Utah.
The fire was set at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc before the shooter crashed into the church with a truck and then opened fire on Sunday morning, September 28, 2025. A column of black smoke was visible from a distance, and so far about eight people have been injured. Two people were pronounced dead at the scene.
The fire was finally extinguished on the same day. It is believed that the fire was started by the shooter, and several homemade devices were found at the crime scene, NBC News reports.
The shooting occurred the day after the death of the senior president of the Church of Latter-day Saints, Russell M. Nelson. He was 101 years old.
The identity of the shooter in the church is Thomas Jacob Sanford, a USMC veteran, according to The New York Post. He is 40 years old, from Burton, Michigan. Sanford served in Iraq from 2004 to 2008, according to NYP
Doug Andersen, a representative of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, released a statement about the tragedy.
«Today at the chapel of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc, Michigan, a tragic act of violence occurred», - Andersen began his statement. «During Sunday worship services, the shooter opened fire, and initial reports indicate that several people were injured. We ask for cooperation with local authorities as more details come in. The church is in contact with local law enforcement as the investigation continues and updates on the condition of the victims are received. We thank the first responders who are assisting the victims and their families».
The statement concluded with the words: «We are deeply grateful for the prayers and concern shown by many people around the world. In moments of sorrow and uncertainty, we find strength and comfort through our faith in Jesus Christ. Places of worship should be sanctuaries of peace, prayer, and connection. We pray for peace and healing for all those affected by this event».
Get updates on the situation in Grand Blanc, Michigan, below.
Those associated with the community of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are also known as Mormons. This non-trinitarian restorationist Christian denomination has its central office in Salt Lake City, Utah.
The fire was set at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc before the shooter crashed into the church with a truck and then opened fire on Sunday morning, September 28, 2025. A column of black smoke was visible from a distance, and so far about eight people have been injured. Two people were pronounced dead at the scene.
The fire was finally extinguished on the same day. It is believed that the fire was started by the shooter, and several homemade devices were found at the crime scene, NBC News reports.
The shooting occurred the day after the death of the senior president of the Church of Latter-day Saints, Russell M. Nelson. He was 101 years old.
The identity of the shooter in the church is Thomas Jacob Sanford, a USMC veteran, according to The New York Post. He is 40 years old, from Burton, Michigan. Sanford served in Iraq from 2004 to 2008, according to NYP
© Zhinobaeva Margarita
