News reports indicate that so far four people have been identified as killed, though one of those was the attacker. This clearly appears to be yet another mass shooting in a place where civilians were banned from having guns. Michigan state law bans people carrying concealed weapons in churches unless one receives permission from church officials, and the Mormon church’s official policy prohibits giving such permission.
Any property or facility owned or operated by a church, synagogue, mosque, temple, or other place of worship, unless the presiding official or officials allow concealed weapons.
“Prohibited Premises,” Michigan State Police, viewed September 28th, 2025
At the same time, with the exception of law enforcement officers, the LDS church prohibits the carrying of guns at church.
“Churches are dedicated for the worship of God and as havens from the cares and concerns of the world. With the exception of current law enforcement officers, the carrying of lethal weapons on church property, concealed or otherwise, is prohibited.”
An ex-Marine smashed a pickup into a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints church in Michigan, opened fire and set the building ablaze during a crowded Sunday service and then was fatally shot by police. At least four people were killed and eight wounded, and authorities were searching the building ruins for more victims.
The attack occurred about 10:25 a.m. while hundreds of people were in the building in Grand Blanc Township, outside Flint.
The man got out of the pickup with two American flags raised in the truck bed and started shooting, Police Chief William Renye told reporters. The attacker apparently used gas to start the fire and also had explosive devices but it wasn’t clear if he used them, said James Dier of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Authorities identified the shooter as Thomas Jacob Sanford, 40, of the neighboring small town of Burton. The FBI is leading the investigation and considered it an “act of targeted violence,” said Ruben Coleman, a special agent in charge for the bureau. . . .
Investigators were searching Sanford’s residence but authorities did not say what they found or provide any additional details about him, including whether he was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, widely known as the Mormon church. . . .
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