Michigan church attacker identified as Iraq War veteran Thomas Sanford: report
A law enforcement officer works at the scene of a shooting which took place at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, according to police, in Grand Blanc, Michigan, U.S., September 28, 2025. REUTERS/Rebecca Cook

Iraq War veteran Thomas Sanford, 40, of Burton, Michigan, is believed to be the person who attacked a Mormon church in Grand Blanc Township, Michigan on Sunday, according to a new report.

The New York Post was first to report that Sanford had been identified as the person who attacked the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc. Sanford allegedly drove his truck through the church's front door before opening fire on the congregation with a semiautomatic rifle. At least nine people were injured, and one was confirmed dead because of the attack.

Sanford also set the church on fire before dying in a shootout with local police officers, The Post reported.

Law enforcement sources told The Post that they are still investigating the source of the blaze. Some improvised explosive devices were recovered at the scene, according to the report.

Read the entire report by clicking here.