Michigan church shooter Thomas Sanford killed in 8 minutes as hero cops respond in record time
GRAND BLANC, MICHIGAN: On the morning of September 28, Local police in Grand Blanc Township, Michigan, responded within 30 seconds to a 911 call reporting an active shooter at a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Four people were killed and eight others were injured before the gunman was shot dead within eight minutes.
An officer and a nearby Department of Natural Resources worker were already on the church grounds by 10:25 am, Grand Blanc Township Police Chief William Renye told reporters.
According to police, by 10:33 am, the attacker, identified as 40-year-old Iraq War veteran Thomas Jacob Sanford, was shot dead in the church parking lot after exchanging fire with officers.
“This could have been much worse,” Renye said, crediting the lightning-fast response for saving lives.
Iraq war veteran crashes truck into Michigan church before opening fire
The chaos began when Sanford rammed his pickup truck, draped with American flags, into the church during Sunday service, sparking panic among the 150 parishioners gathered inside.
Believing it to be an accident, some rushed to help the driver, only for Sanford to emerge with an assault rifle and begin firing indiscriminately.
Witnesses recalled the deafening crash and initial confusion. “We thought it was a bomb,” one parishioner said.
Four killed, eight injured in Michigan church shooting and fire
At least four people were killed and eight others injured in the attack, including a young girl who was shot in the back. One victim remains in critical condition.
According to New York Post, the church was engulfed in flames during the rampage. Authorities are still working to determine if Sanford deliberately set the blaze.
Residents living nearby described seeing “at least four yellow canvases over dead bodies” in the aftermath.
Church members risk lives to shield kids and rescue others during attack
Amid the gunfire and spreading flames, parishioners displayed extraordinary bravery. Several shielded children with their bodies, while others rushed back into the building to help loved ones escape.
“I’d like to acknowledge the heroism of not only the first responders, but the people who were inside that church at the time,” said Renye.
“They were shielding the children who are also present within the church, moving them to safety," he added.
One eyewitness recalled seeing a bleeding teenager whisper, “I got shot,” before being carried to safety. Parking lots filled with frantic worshippers fleeing the carnage.
Gunman identified as Marine Corps veteran
Sanford, of Burton, Michigan, previously served in the US Marine Corps from 2004 to 2008, including a deployment to Iraq. He left the service as a sergeant and received several medals.
Authorities say he had no known ties to the congregation. His motives remain under investigation. Federal agencies are assisting local police in reviewing Sanford’s background, recent movements, and possible affiliations.
