Breaking

Law enforcement officers guard the area near where the attack took place at a Latter-day Saints church in Grand Blanc, Michigan, on Sept. 28, 2025. (Jose Juarez / AP Photo)

Breaking: Alleged LDS Church Shooter Identified as Iraq War Veteran, Described as 'Family Man' - Report

By Michael Austin September 28, 2025 at 2:30pm

Police revealed the alleged identity of the shooter at a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc Township, Michigan, on Sunday.

Earlier Sunday, the shooter reportedly rammed his truck into the church building and began opening fire on its fleeing congregants and their families. Reports indicate the shooter may have used improvised explosive devices to set the church on fire as well. Police report that two victims have been killed, along with the shooter, while eight others were injured. Authorities believe more victims will be found within the destroyed church’s wreckage.

The alleged attacker, 40-year-old Thomas Sanford, was a US Marine veteran who served in Iraq between 2004-2008, according to a New York Post report.

The Post’s report indicates Sanford was a “family man” with a wife and young son.

A 2015 GoFundMe page appearing to be for the family’s son raised over $3,000 to treat a rare genetic condition suffered by the child.

Read more updates regarding the tragedy here:

LDS Church Shooter Identified, 2nd Victim Now Deceased, More Victims Likely to Be Found in the Wreckage

Submit a Correction →

We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Read our editorial standards.

Tags:

Mass shooting, Michigan, Mormon, Shooting, U.S. News

Michael Austin

Managing Editor

SummaryMore Biographical InformationRecent PostsContact

Michael wrote for several entertainment news outlets before joining The Western Journal in 2020. He now serves as Managing Editor, which involves managing the editorial team and operations; guiding the editorial direction of The Western Journal; and writing, editing, curating and assigning stories as needed.

@mikeswriting

Michael Austin graduated from Iowa State University in 2019. During his time in college, he volunteered for both PragerU and Live Action. After graduation, Michael went on to work as a freelance journalist for various entertainment news sites before joining The Western Journal as an intern in early 2020.

Shortly thereafter, Michael was hired on as a staff writer/reporter. He now serves as Managing Editor, which involves managing the editorial team and operations; guiding the editorial direction of The Western Journal; and writing, editing, curating and assigning stories as needed.

Birthplace

Ames, Iowa

Nationality

American

Education

Iowa State University

Topics of Expertise

Cultural Politics, Entertainment News, Christian-Conservatism