Michigan church shooting investigated for possible link to death of LDS leader Russell M Nelson

GRAND BLANC, MICHIGAN: Police in Michigan are investigating whether Sunday’s deadly shooting and fire at a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) in Grand Blanc Township, which killed four people, is linked to the death of the church’s global leader, Russell M Nelson, who died the day before.

Authorities told ABC News that the investigation is in its early stages, focusing on the gunman’s possible motives, any threats to the congregation, and whether the timing of the attack, less than 24 hours after Nelson’s death, may be significant.

Investigators are also examining the suspect’s background and communications, as well as whether there were any prior incidents involving the church or its members. 

Gunman killed after shooting inside church

Grand Blanc Township Police Chief William Renye said the attack occurred around 10:25 am local time on September 28.

Police identified the gunman as Thomas Jacob Sanford, 40, who drove his truck to the church before shooting congregants and setting the building on fire, according to officials.

The suspect was later shot dead at the scene after exchanging fire with responding officers, including a Michigan Department of Natural Resources officer and a township police officer, Renye confirmed.

Police said hundreds of parishioners were inside the church at the time of the attack. Law enforcement continued searching the building and surrounding area late into the day for additional victims or evidence.   

LDS church mourns death of president Russell M Nelson

The attack came just one day after the death of Russell M Nelson, president of the LDS Church and one of its most influential figures. Nelson died Saturday night at his home in Salt Lake City at the age of 101, surrounded by family.

He was remembered by church leaders worldwide for his decades of service and profound influence.

Nelson is survived by his wife, Wendy; eight of his ten children; 57 grandchildren; and 167 great-grandchildren. Before his religious leadership, Nelson was a pioneering heart surgeon who performed Utah’s first open-heart surgery in 1955 and contributed to the development of an artificial heart-lung machine.

He also served as president of the Utah State Medical Association and as director of the American Board of Thoracic Surgery before dedicating himself full-time to church service in 1984.

Church officials expressed deep sorrow over Nelson’s passing, describing him as a transformative figure whose leadership shaped the direction of the LDS Church for decades.