GRAND BLANC TOWNSHIP, Mich. — The peaceful community of Grand Blanc Township is reeling from a horrifying incident that took place on Sunday morning. A Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints meetinghouse became the site of a brutal attack when Thomas Jacob Sanford, a 40-year-old Marine veteran from Burton, smashed his pickup truck into the church during a service and opened fire.
Among the victims was John Bond, a Navy veteran known for his love of family, golf, and trains. Friends have since set up a fundraising page in his honor to support his family during this difficult time.
Authorities have reported that four individuals lost their lives in this tragic event, with eight others, ranging in ages from 6 to 78, wounded but expected to survive, including a father and son. The community has responded with a surge of support from various faith groups, demonstrating unity in the face of tragedy.
Federal investigators and local authorities continue to gather evidence, inspecting the scene, which was ignited during the attack. Sanford was reported to have utilized gas to fuel a fire and possessed explosive devices during the chaos. As flames engulfed the church, law enforcement officers exchanged gunfire with Sanford, who was ultimately killed in the confrontation.
Jeffrey Schaub, the bishop of the Grand Blanc church, expressed the pain and sorrow of the congregation, highlighting the overwhelming support from the broader community, stating, It was very humbling to see how much good there is in the world today. The attack has stirred a wave of questions and emotions, as both community members and law enforcement seek answers to why such violence was unleashed in a space typically reserved for peace and worship.
As families mourn their losses and worry for the wounded, the Grand Blanc township remains a tight-knit community facing the aftermath of this tragic event.
