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  • FBI investigating Michigan church shooting, fire as

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    Investigators will be back at the scene Monday in Grand Blanc Township, Michigan, where a shooting and fire at a church left at least four people dead. The FBI is investigating the incident as “an act of targeted violence.” 

    About 100 people were inside the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on McClandlish Road around 10:25 a.m. Sunday when the shooting happened.

    The suspect, identified as a 40-year-old Thomas Jacob Sanford of Burton, Michigan, drove his vehicle through the front doors of the church, exited his vehicle and fired “several rounds” of an assault rifle at hundreds of churchgoers, Grand Blanc Township Police Chief William Renye said at a news conference. 

    Four people were confirmed dead as of late Sunday. One victim was listed in critical condition at an area hospital, and seven others were reported to be in stable condition. Henry Ford Genesys Hospital said it provided care for some of the victims. 

    Renye said it was believed some people are unaccounted for. 

    Grand Blanc Township Police Department expects to host its next press conference at 12:30 p.m. Monday. Participants will include the FBI Detroit Field Office. CBS News and CBS News Detroit will stream the press conference when it takes place. 

    How to watch Grand Blanc investigation press conference

    • What: Grand Blanc Township and other authorities give an update on the fatal church shooting and fire in Michigan. 
    • Date: Monday, September 29, 2025.
    • Time: 12:30 p.m. ET
    • Online stream: Live on the player above and on your mobile or streaming device

    Survivor Paul Kirby told “CBS Mornings” it was “the scariest moment of my life, not knowing if my family was OK.” Kirby’s wife and children were with him, attending a service at the church, when they heard “a loud boom coming from the back wall of the chapel.”

    White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said investigators were looking into how much planning went into the attack and whether any clues about the motive were left behind.

    “From what I understand, based on my conversations with the FBI director, all they know right now is this was an individual who hated people of the Mormon faith,” she said Monday. 

    The shooting occurred a day after Russell M. Nelson, the oldest-ever president of the Utah-based faith, died at 101.

    Sanford was an Iraq war veteran who deployed once for several months during 2007 and 2008, according to service records provided to CBS News by the Pentagon. Sanford served in the Marines for four years. 

    Crews in white coveralls and hard hats searched through what remained of the church on Monday morning. A silver pickup truck with two American flags in the back remained where it had smashed into the front brick wall near a sign that says “visitors welcome.”

    U.S. officials and state lawmakers shared messages in response to the shooting, and Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer ordered U.S. and Michigan flags to be lowered to half-staff through Friday to honor and remember the victims. 

    Grand Blanc Community Schools was closed Monday. 

    Bloomfield Township Police says it will “increase patrols around our places of worship and other community gatherings to help ensure a safe environment for everyone.” 

    The shooting was the latest of several attacks on houses of worship in the U.S. over the past 20 years, including one in August that killed two children at the Church of the Annunciation in Minneapolis.

    The Federal Bureau of Investigation, which is leading the investigation, has asked anyone with information to call 1-800-225-5324 or submit a tip here. 

     Note: Streaming plans are subject to change.

    Anna Schecter and

    Paula Wethington

    contributed to this report.

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  • Investigation continues into fatal Michigan church shooting, fire

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    Death toll expected to rise from shooting, fire at Grand Blanc church



    Death toll expected to rise from shooting, fire at Grand Blanc church

    02:04

    Investigators will be back at the scene Monday in Grand Blanc Township, Michigan, where a shooting and fire at a church left at least four people dead. The FBI is investigating the incident as “an act of targeted violence.”    

    About 100 people were inside the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on McClandlish Road around 10:25 a.m. Sunday when the shooting happened. The suspect, identified as a 40-year-old Thomas Jacob Sanford of Burton, Michigan, drove his vehicle through the front doors of the church, exited his vehicle and fired “several rounds” of an assault rifle at hundreds of churchgoers, Grand Blanc Township Police Chief William Renye said at a news conference.

    Four people were confirmed dead as of late Sunday. One victim was listed in critical condition at an area hospital, and seven others were reported to be in stable condition. Henry Ford Genesys Hospital said it provided care for some of the victims.

    Renye said it is believed some people are unaccounted for. 

    U.S. officials and state lawmakers shared messages in response to the shooting, and Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer ordered U.S. and Michigan flags to be lowered to half-staff through Friday to honor and remember the victims. 

    Grand Blanc Community Schools will be closed Monday. Grand Blanc Township Police Department expects to host its next press conference Monday, at a time not yet announced. 

    Bloomfield Township Police says it will “increase patrols around our places of worship and other community gatherings to help ensure a safe environment for everyone.”

    The Federal Bureau of Investigation, which is leading the investigation, has asked anyone with information to call 1-800-225-5324 or submit a tip here. 

    Paula Wethington

    Paula Wethington is a digital producer at CBS Detroit. She previously held digital content roles at NEWSnet, Gannett/USA Today network and The Monroe News in Michigan. She is a graduate of the University of South Carolina.

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  • Gunman in Michigan church shooting died after “exchanging gunfire” with police. Here’s what we know.

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    Police in Grand Blanc, Michigan, say the gunman who killed at least four people and injured eight others at a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Sunday morning died after “exchanging gunfire” with police.

    The suspect was identified as 40-year-old Thomas Jacob Sanford of Burton, Michigan, Grand Blanc Township Police Chief William Renye said. 

    Sanford served in the U.S. Marines for three-and-a-half years from 2004 to 2008, CBS News has confirmed. He was deployed from August 2007 to March 2008 as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom, which led to the fall of Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein.

    According to Renye, calls about the shooting at the Church of Latter-day Saints on McCandlish Road came in around 10:25 a.m., and officers were at the scene less than a minute later. Police said Sanford died at the parking lot of the church around 10:33 a.m.

    Sanford lived around eight miles away from the church. Michigan State Police and a bomb squad were investigating his home throughout the evening on Sunday. 

    Investigators say there may be bomb making materials inside, though it’s unknown if anything was found. 

    Nearby residents told CBS News Detroit they couldn’t believe what happened in their small suburban community located about an hour northwest of Detroit.

    “I really feel for the families, you know, even feel for the accused,” resident April Vann said. “It’s just a sad, really sad situation. You know, family’s lives are destroyed in 2.2 seconds.”

    Jason Miller, another nearby resident, said something has to change. 

    “It’s troubling. A mile from home, you know? It’s obviously getting closer to us, right?” Miller said. “So when it starts getting close, you’re not just looking at the TV screen saying, ‘I feel bad. What’s going on?’ It’s here now, and that’s why we got to do something. It’s getting to be a problem.”

    Several neighbors weren’t able to get inside their homes on Sunday afternoon. Michigan State Police troopers said they would be in the area into the evening.

    President Trump said on Truth Social that Sunday’s shooting was “horrendous,” and that he would provide “full support” to state and local officials for the investigation.

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  • Gunman in Michigan church shooting died after “exchanging gunfire” with police. Here’s what we know.

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    Police in Grand Blanc, Michigan, say the gunman who killed at least two people and injured eight others at a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Sunday morning died after “exchanging gunfire” with police.

    The suspect was identified as 40-year-old Thomas Jacob Sanford of Burton, Michigan, Grand Blanc Township Police Chief William Renye said. 

    Sanford served in the U.S. Marines for three-and-a-half years from 2004 to 2008, CBS News has confirmed. He was deployed from August 2007 to March 2008 as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom, which led to the fall of Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein.

    According to Renye, calls about the shooting at the Church of Latter-day Saints on McCandlish Road came in around 10:25 a.m., and officers were at the scene less than a minute later. Police said Sanford died at the parking lot of the church around 10:33 a.m.

    Sanford lived around seven miles away from the church. Michigan State Police and a bomb squad were investigating his home on Sunday afternoon.

    Investigators say there may be bomb making materials inside, though it’s unknown if anything was found. 

    Nearby residents told CBS News Detroit they couldn’t believe what happened in their small suburban community located about an hour northwest of Detroit.

    “I really feel for the families, you know, even feel for the accused,” resident April Vann said. “It’s just a sad, really sad situation. You know, family’s lives are destroyed in 2.2 seconds.”

    Jason Miller, another nearby resident, said something has to change. 

    “It’s troubling. A mile from home, you know? It’s obviously getting closer to us, right?” Miller said. “So when it starts getting close, you’re not just looking at the TV screen saying, ‘I feel bad. What’s going on?’ It’s here now, and that’s why we got to do something. It’s getting to be a problem.”

    Several neighbors weren’t able to get inside their homes on Sunday afternoon. Michigan State Police troopers said they would be in the area into the evening.

    President Trump said on Truth Social that Sunday’s shooting was “horrendous,” and that he would provide “full support” to state and local officials for the investigation.

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  • At least 2 killed, 8 injured in shooting at Michigan church; suspect dead, police say

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    At least two people are dead and eight others are in the hospital after a shooting during a worship service at a church in Grand Blanc Township, Michigan, on Sunday morning.

    According to police, it happened around 10:25 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 4825 McCandlish Road. 

    Grand Blanc Township Police Chief William Renye said in a news conference on Sunday afternoon that the suspect, identified as a 40-year-old man, drove his vehicle through the front doors of the church, exited his vehicle and fired “several rounds” of an assault rifle at hundreds of churchgoers. 

    Ten people with gunshot wounds were taken to the hospital, where two victims have since died. Renye said “multiple” individuals who were injured are in critical condition, and expects there will be more victims.

    Henry Ford Health confirmed that it was treating nine patients at Henry Ford Genesys Hospital. 

    “Our hospital is fully staffed with experienced caregivers, and we are grateful to our team members who continue to care for all our patients at Henry Ford Genesys Hospital. Counselors and spiritual care are available to provide confidential support and counseling services for our patients and team members,” said the health system in a statement.”

    Police said the man, from Burton, Michigan, died after responding officers from Grand Blanc Township and the Michigan DNR “engaged in gunfire” with him. 

    According to investigators, the man deliberately started a fire at the church at some point, though it’s not yet known how the fire was started. Crews have since contained the blaze.

    Police are expected to hold another news conference at 5 p.m. You can watch it at the video player above. 

    Officials have set up an on-site reunification site at a movie theatre on Trillium Circle Avenue. Anyone who needs to connect with someone who was at the church is asked to call the American Red Cross at 248-705-7352.

    Smoke rises from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc, Michigan, on Sept. 28, 2025. Police said there were multiple victims in a shooting at the church.

    CBS News Detroit


    “This is a dynamic scene,” Genesee County Sheriff Christopher Swanson said in a video recorded at the scene. “The time where we are right now, there’s going to be more updates. Just know that there’s a lot of things that are happening that we are not able to communicate just because of the work that needs to be done.”

    Swanson said there is no active threat to the community.

    The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints said in a written statement that it’s been in communication with law enforcement and that it’s thankful for the emergency responders who are helping the victims and their families.

    “We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of prayers and concern from so many people around the world,” the statement said. “In moments of sorrow and uncertainty, we find strength and comfort through our faith in Jesus Christ. Places of worship are meant to be sanctuaries of peacemaking, prayer and connection. We pray for peace and healing for all involved.”

    Gov. Gretchen Whitmer posted a written statement on social media that said, “My heart is breaking for the Grand Blanc community. Violence anywhere, especially in a place of worship, is unacceptable. I am grateful to the first responders who took action quickly. We will continue to monitor this situation and hold the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc close.”

    Federal Bureau of Investigation Director Kash Patel said on X that the agency is tracking reports of the shooting and that agents are at the scene to assist local authorities.

    “Violence in a place of worship is a cowardly and criminal act. Our prayers are with the victims and their families during this terrible tragedy,” Patel said.

    Grand Blanc Township police said at least 100 FBI agents are responding to the shooting. 

    U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi said she has received briefings about the incident.

    “Such violence at a place of worship is heartbreaking and chilling. Please join me in praying for the victims of this terrible tragedy,” Bondi said.

    President Trump said that he has been briefed on the shooting. 

    “I have been briefed on the horrendous shooting that took place at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, in Grand Blanc, Michigan. The FBI was immediately on scene, and will be leading the Federal Investigation, and providing full support to State and Local Officials. The suspect is dead, but there is still a lot to learn. This appears to be yet another targeted attack on Christians in the United States of America. The Trump Administration will keep the Public posted, as we always do. In the meantime, PRAY for the victims, and their families. THIS EPIDEMIC OF VIOLENCE IN OUR COUNTRY MUST END, IMMEDIATELY,” Mr. Trump said in a Truth Social post.   

    According to Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, her agency is in communication with “interagency partners.”

    Noem added in a social media post on X that, “Sacred places of worship should never fear violence in America. I am praying for the victims of this heinous attack and their families.”

    The New York Police Department said early Sunday afternoon that it was deploying “additional resources to religious institutions across the city,” in response to the shooting.

    Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said Sunday that out of an abundance of caution, the Los Angeles Police Department will be increasing patrols at places of worship across the city. 

    The Grand Blanc Township Police Department said it will have counselors at its facility starting on Monday and through the rest of the week.

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    Nick Lentz

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  • At least 1 killed, 9 injured in shooting at Michigan church; suspect dead, police say

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    At least one person is dead and nine others are in the hospital after a shooting during a worship service at a church in Grand Blanc Township, Michigan, on Sunday morning.

    According to police, it happened around 10:25 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 4825 McCandlish Road. 

    Grand Blanc Township Police Chief William Renye said in a news conference on Sunday afternoon that the suspect, identified as a 40-year-old man, drove his vehicle through the front doors of the church, exited his vehicle and fired “several rounds” of an assault rifle at hundreds of churchgoers. 

    Ten people with gunshot wounds were taken to the hospital, where one victim has since died. Renye said “multiple” individuals who were injured are in critical condition, and expects there will be more victims.

    Henry Ford Health confirmed that it is treating nine patients at Henry Ford Genesys Hospital. 

    “Our hospital is fully staffed with experienced caregivers, and we are grateful to our team members who continue to care for all our patients at Henry Ford Genesys Hospital. Counselors and spiritual care are available to provide confidential support and counseling services for our patients and team members,” said the health system in a statement.”

    Police said the man, from Burton, Michigan, died after responding officers from Grand Blanc Township and the Michigan DNR “engaged in gunfire” with him. 

    According to investigators, the man deliberately started a fire at the church at some point, though it’s not yet known how the fire was started. Crews have since contained the blaze.

    Police are expected to hold another news conference at 5 p.m. You can watch it at the video player above. 

    Officials have set up an on-site reunification site at a movie theatre on Trillium Circle Avenue.

    Smoke rises from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc, Michigan, on Sept. 28, 2025. Police said there were multiple victims in a shooting at the church.

    CBS News Detroit


    “This is a dynamic scene,” Genesee County Sheriff Christopher Swanson said in a video recorded at the scene. “The time where we are right now, there’s going to be more updates. Just know that there’s a lot of things that are happening that we are not able to communicate just because of the work that needs to be done.”

    Swanson said there is no active threat to the community.

    The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints said in a written statement that it’s been in communication with law enforcement and that it’s thankful for the emergency responders who are helping the victims and their families.

    “We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of prayers and concern from so many people around the world,” the statement said. “In moments of sorrow and uncertainty, we find strength and comfort through our faith in Jesus Christ. Places of worship are meant to be sanctuaries of peacemaking, prayer and connection. We pray for peace and healing for all involved.”

    Gov. Gretchen Whitmer posted a written statement on social media that said, “My heart is breaking for the Grand Blanc community. Violence anywhere, especially in a place of worship, is unacceptable. I am grateful to the first responders who took action quickly. We will continue to monitor this situation and hold the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc close.”

    Federal Bureau of Investigation Director Kash Patel said on X that the agency is tracking reports of the shooting and that agents are at the scene to assist local authorities.

    “Violence in a place of worship is a cowardly and criminal act. Our prayers are with the victims and their families during this terrible tragedy,” Patel said.

    Grand Blanc Township police said at least 100 FBI agents are responding to the shooting. 

    U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi said she has received briefings about the incident.

    “Such violence at a place of worship is heartbreaking and chilling. Please join me in praying for the victims of this terrible tragedy,” Bondi said.

    President Trump said that he has been briefed on the shooting. 

    “I have been briefed on the horrendous shooting that took place at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, in Grand Blanc, Michigan. The FBI was immediately on scene, and will be leading the Federal Investigation, and providing full support to State and Local Officials. The suspect is dead, but there is still a lot to learn. This appears to be yet another targeted attack on Christians in the United States of America. The Trump Administration will keep the Public posted, as we always do. In the meantime, PRAY for the victims, and their families. THIS EPIDEMIC OF VIOLENCE IN OUR COUNTRY MUST END, IMMEDIATELY,” Mr. Trump said in a Truth Social post.   

    The New York Police Department said early Sunday afternoon that it was deploying “additional resources to religious institutions across the city,” in response to the shooting.

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  • Multiple victims reported in shooting at Michigan church, suspect is

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    Multiple people have been hurt in a shooting at a church in Grand Blanc, Michigan, police said on Sunday morning. 

    The Grand Blanc Township Police Department said in a Facebook post at 11:12 a.m. that there was an active shooter at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 4825 McCandlish Rd., and “there are multiple victims,” and that the shooter “is down.”

    Police said there is no active threat to the public. 

    The conditions of the victims haven’t been disclosed.

    Police added that the church was “actively” on fire, but crews have since contained the flames. They are asking the public to avoid the area. 

    Officials have set up an on-site reunification site at a movie theatre on Trillium Circle Avenue.

    Law enforcement officials are expected to provide an update at 1 p.m. ET.   

    Smoke rises from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc, Michigan, on Sept. 28, 2025. Police said there were multiple victims in a shooting at the church.

    CBS News Detroit


    “This is a dynamic scene,” Genesee County Sheriff Christopher Swanson said in a video recorded at the scene. “The time where we are right now, there’s going to be more updates. Just know that there’s a lot of things that are happening that we are not able to communicate just because of the work that needs to be done.”

    Swanson said there is no active threat to the community.

    Gov. Gretchen Whitmer posted a written statement on social media that said, “My heart is breaking for the Grand Blanc community. Violence anywhere, especially in a place of worship, is unacceptable. I am grateful to the first responders who took action quickly. We will continue to monitor this situation and hold the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Grand Blanc close.”

    Federal Bureau of Investigation Director Kash Patel said on X that the agency is tracking reports of the shooting and that agents are at the scene to assist local authorities.

    “Violence in a place of worship is a cowardly and criminal act. Our prayers are with the victims and their families during this terrible tragedy,” Patel said.

    U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi said she has received briefings about the incident.

    “Such violence at a place of worship is heartbreaking and chilling. Please join me in praying for the victims of this terrible tragedy,” Bondi said.

    CBS News Detroit has a crew headed to the scene.

    This is a developing story. Stay with CBS News Detroit for the latest. 

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    Nick Lentz

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