Special Section: ⚫ Mass Shooting in Grand Blanc Twp

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BY MIKE KILLBREATH

CCN Executive Editor

GRAND BLANC TWP. (CCN) —  GoFundMe campaigns have been set up to help victims and families of victims in Sunday's deadly fire and mass shooting at a Grand Blanc Township church.

GoFundMe stepped up with a special post under a heading "Michigan church shooting relief: donate or fundraise."

The notice said: "On September 28, 2025, multiple people were killed and injured at a shooting at a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc Township, MI. The GoFundMe community is coming together to support those affected. Donate to verified fundraisers today to help the people and families affected. Our Trust & Safety team will continue to update this page with more fundraisers as they are verified."

Nearly $500,000 had been donated to five verified GoFundMe campaigns as of 7:30 pm on Wednesday (Oct. 1, 2025).

Four were killed in the massive fire and mass shooting while eight more were injured.  (See related stories on this page)

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 A fundraiser for the Phelps family of Linden asked for $15,000 on Sunday night and had topped $113,000 by 7:30 pm on Wednesday.

It was organized by Sarah Kunzler who responded to the outpouring of generosity by saying on the next morning after her request for help:  "We are overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support — thank you all so much! Because of your generosity, we met our goal in less than 3 hours. Since we don’t yet know the full extent of what Benjamin and his family will need in the coming weeks and months, we’ll be keeping this fundraiser open for anyone who would still like to donate."

Her GoFundMe request had said in part: "During the incident, Benjamin Phelps and his young son were both injured. We are grateful to share that his son has returned home, but Benjamin still faces a long and difficult recovery. To help ease the financial burden for Benjamin, Danalee, and their sweet family during this challenging time, we are raising funds. Any contribution — no matter the size — will make a meaningful difference. As the Phelps, Bolingbroke and Swainston families, we want to thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your prayers, love, and support. As Mosiah 18:9 reminds us, we are called to 'mourn with those that mourn… and comfort those that stand in need of comfort.' We know that through Jesus Christ, true healing and peace are possible, and we are grateful for the love being shown to Benjamin and his family."

BY MIKE KILLBREATH

CCN Executive Editor

 GRAND BLANC TWP. (CCN) —  All people at the scene of a mass shooting are now accounted for in Sunday's (Sept. 28, 2025)  mass shooting and fire at a Grand Blanc Township church.

That was announced at a final news briefing held Monday (Sept. 28, 2025) after it was revealed during Sunday night's final news briefing that as many as seven people were still not accounted for in the gathering of more than 100 at the Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Church.

Police killed the shooter in an exchange of gunfire just minutes after he rammed his pick-up truck through the front doors into the church on McClandlish Road. 

He was identified as Thomas Jacob Sanford who lived on Atherton Road in Burton.

Four are dead and one remains in critical condition among eight others injured.

Grand Blanc Township Police Chief William Renye announced that Monday's 12:30 pm news briefing would be the final one. It was televised live on national cable TV news channels that included CCN, MSNBC and the Fox News Channel.

An 8 pm Sunday press conference at the Grand Blanc Township Police Department was also presented live to the nation.

Reuben Coleman, acting special agent in charge of the FBI Detroit Field Office that covers the entire state, joined the press conference in person and issued a press release.

Coleman's press release said in part: "First, I want to sincerely express our condolences to the victims of this shooting, their families, and this entire community.  would also like to thank Chief Renye and the Grand Blanc Township Police Department and all of our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, other first responders, and the community members for their immediate actions in this situation. This act of violence has no place in our state or anywhere else in our country. The FBI is committed to continue finding out the facts, circumstances, and motives behind this tragedy. I can confirm at this time that the FBI is now leading the investigation and is investigating this as an act of targeted violence. FBI crisis response teams — such as our evidence response teams, SWAT, special agent bomb technicians, victim specialists — were deployed to the scene. We also have special agents, who are continuing to conduct interviews, and intelligence and professional staff personnel providing research and analysis. I would like to thank them for their work on this case."  

PHOTO CAPTION: Pictured above this story is Grand Blanc Township Police Chief William Reyne addressing the nation with Governor Gretch Whitmer behind him with law enforcement officials..

BY MIKE KILLBREATH

CCN Executive Editor

BURTON (CCN) — Burton Police Chief Brian Ross has confirmed that there was a bomb threat Saturday night at Meijer on Center Road and Atherton Road in his city, but said in a news release that the incident is not related to the Sunday shooter at a church in nearby Grand Blanc Township.

A 40-year-old man who lived in Burton on Atherton Road was shot and killed in an exchange of gunfire with police after he rammed his pick-up truck into the Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Church on McClandlish Road.

Dozens of social media posts asked if there was any connection between the shooter and Saturday's unreported bomb threat at Meijer.

Officials at Meijer would not comment about the incident that led to the store being closed with a heavy police presence there.

Employees at the store anonymously confirmed, however, that the incident happened.

Chief Ross confirmed the bomb threat on Sunday to The Daily Gazette but said the incident was still under investigation.

On Monday, he released the following follow-up statement: "Update on Meijer Bomb Threat: On Saturday September 27, 2025 at approximately 8:35 PM the Burton Police Department was dispatched to Meijer for a bomb threat.  Officers were able to evacuate the store.  The Michigan State Bomb Team responded to the scene and searched the building with Burton Police officers.  The Burton Police Department investigated the threat and identified two juveniles from Delta Township as the callers.  Detectives made contact with the juveniles.  The juveniles were in Flint Township visiting one of their mothers.  The juveniles were bored and decided to make prank calls.  There was not a credible threat to the store or the City of Burton.  The following day, it was found that the shooter of the church in Grand Blanc Township lived across the street from Meijer on Atherton Road.  When the Burton Police Department was informed that the shooter also had explosive devises at the scene, we looked deeper into the Meijer incident.  While we did not believe the two were related, we wanted to investigate any possible connection.    After an exhaustive investigation, we have found no connection between the Meijer incident and the shooter from Grand Blanc Township.  The Burton Police Department will be seeking charges for the juveniles for making the bomb threat."

BY MIKE KILLBREATH

CCN Executive Editor

 GRAND BLANC TWP. (CCN) — An 8 pm press conference at the Grand Blanc Township Police Department was presented live Sunday (Sept. 29, 2025) on CNN, Fox News and MSNBC. 

 Grand Blanc Township Police Chief William Renye announced that two more victims were found inside the Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Church on McClandlish Road that had been set on fire before a 40-year-old Burton man rammed his pick-up truck through the front doors, jumped out with an assault rifle and began shooting at people.

Chief Reny had confirmed during a 5 pm press briefing that the church shooter this morning was Thomas Jacob Sanford. He had been identified in a story by The Daily Gazette at about 4:20 pm.

An earlier story here at The Daily Gazette and on Metro Flint News/Talk Radio reported that neighbors said police were searching Sanford's Burton home on Atherton Road. A heavy police presence there had the road blocked off near the corner where the Center Road Meijer store is located.

 Officers from the Michigan State Police post on Corunna Road in Flint Township were on the scene with officers from the Burton Police Department and the Grand Blanc Township Police Department 

Sanford was a U.S. Marine veteran of two tours in Iraq (2004 and 2008), according to dozens of social media posts, including by his family members.

Chief Reyne also revealed at the 8 pm press briefing that "more victims could be found" because "we are not done clearing the church."

PHOTO CAPTION: Pictured above this story is William Reyne who is Chief of the Grand Blanc Township Police Department.

BY MIKE KILLBREATH

CCN Executive Editor

BURTON (CCN) — Grand Blanc Township Police Chief William Renye confirmed during a 5 pm press briefing that the church shooter this morning was Thomas Jacob Sanford.

An earlier story here at The Daily Gazette and on Metro Flint News/Talk Radio reported that neighbors said police were searching Sanford's Burton home on Atherton Road.

A heavy police presence there had the road blocked off near the corner where the Center Road Meijer store is located.

Multiple tips to CCN also say Meijer was closed last time for a time because of a bomb threat.

 Officers from the Michigan State Police post on Corunna Road in Flint Township were on the scene with officers from the Burton Police Department and the Grand Blanc Township Police Department 

Sanford was a U.S. Marine veteran of two tours in Iraq (2004 and 2008), according to dozens of social media posts, including by his family members.

Burton Police Chief Brian Ross has not yet responded to our request for a comment about these tips or dozens of social media posts on Facebook about the bomb threat being possibly from Sanford.

Another press briefing is expected at 8 pm by Chief Reyne.

PHOTO CAPTION: Pictured above this story is Thomas Jacob Sanford of Burton who was confirmed by police during a 5 pm press briefing as the shooter in the Grand Blanc Township mass shooting.

BY MIKE KILLBREATH

CCN Executive Editor

BURTON (CCN) — Numerous tips to CCN have identified the shooter in the deadly incident at a Grand Blanc Township church.

They say he was Thomas Jacob Sanford.

He was a U.S. Marine veteran and t-ball coach who lived in Burton.

Police have not yet confirmed that it was indeed Sanford who was the shooter, but a reliable source has confirmed for CCN that it's true.

Numerous police cars had the road blocked off near Center Road where a Meijer store is located in Burton. Numerous tips say police were inside the home where they say Sanford lived.

He was killed at the scene of the shooting at the church in an exchange of gunfire with a Grand Blanc Township police officer and a Department of Natural Resources officer who were the first to arrive at the scene, according to Grand Blanc Township Police Chief William Renye.

Chief Renye told media members that the shooter rammed his truck into the front doors of the Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Church on McClandlish Road, jumped out with an assault rifle and began shooting at people. Chief Rene said it's believe he set the church on fire before the shooting.

He initially put the number of victims at 10 with one dead in addition to the victim.

Chief Renye later posted a video on social media that  a second victim had passed away. (See video posted below of his news briefing)

The story has been in the national headlines since a CNN report at about noon, and the shooting attracted attention from FBI Director Kash Patel, US Attorney Pam Bondi and  Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer. (See related stories on this page)

President Donald Trump made a post on Truth Social that said as follows: "I have been briefed on the horrendous shooting that took place at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, in Grand Blanc, Michigan. The FBI was immediately on scene, and will be leading the Federal Investigation, and providing full support to state and local officials. The suspect is dead, but there is still a lot to learn. This appears to be yet another targeted attack on Christians in the United States of America. The Trump Administration will keep the Public posted, as we always do. In the meantime, PRAY for the victims, and their families. THIS EPIDEMIC OF VIOLENCE IN OUR COUNTRY MUST END, IMMEDIATELY!”

PHOTO CAPTION: Pictured above this story is a shot of a heavy police presence as a search was being conducted at what witnesses say was the home of Jacob Sanford of Burton.

BY GARY ANDERSON

CCN Staff Writer

GRAND BLANC TOWSHIP (CCN) — A second victim has died in the shooting earlier today at a Grand Blanc Township church.

The mass shooting at the Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Church on McClandlish Road left 10 victims with eight still hospitalized.

More victims may be discovered once authorities are able to enter the church which was set on fire by the shooter before they say he rammed through the front doors, jumped out of his vehicle with an assault rifle and began shooting.

Related stories are on today's front page.

A video of the latest press briefing by Grand Blanc Township Police Chief William Renye is posted above this story. 

Chief Renye's department made another social media post that at 3:55 pm which said: "We are still working this incredibly catastrophic scene.  Please be patient as we work diligently to ensure a complete investigation. We have numerous local, state and federal agencies assisting us on scene including the MSP, FBI and the ATF. Please keep the victims, responders and their familes in your prayers. MEDIA: Reminder: press conference at Grand Blanc Twp PD at 5pm. Family Assistance Center information coming soon. Airspace over the scene is restricted. Please do not attempt to fly drones in the area. We are working multiple scene to collect information related the incident on McCandlish Rd. Antcipate large police presence at various locations in the county." 

PHO TO CAPITON: Pictured above this story is Grand Blanc Township Police Chief William Renye.  

BY GARY ANDERSON

CCN Staff Writer

GRAND BLANC TOWSHIP (CCN) — CCN, a national cable news network, became the first national news source to report the mass shooting at a Grand Blanc Township.

The first report credited Metro Flint News/Talk Radio with breaking the story, and confirmed that police told CNN it was true about the mass shooting scene.

All that had been released so far by Grand Blanc Township Police and Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson on the scene had been that there were "multiple victims" and that the Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Church on McClandlish Road had been set on fire.

New news was then revealed at a 1 pm press conference that one person was dead among 10 victims, including three in critical condition.

Police did say the shooter was dead.

Grand Blanc Township Police Chief William Renye confirmed at the press conference that the shooter was killed in an exchange of gunfire with his officers who were the first law enforcement to arrive on the scene.

A bomb squad was also called in after a device was found in the shooter's vehicle that he crashed into the church before he began shooting, according to Chief Renye.

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer made a statement on X, formerly known as Twitter, about the local tragedy.

She said, "My heart is breaking for the Grand Blanc community. Violence anywhere, especially in a place of worship, is unacceptable. I am grateful to the first responders who took action quickly. We will continue to monitor this situation and hold the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc close.” 

FBI Director Kash Patel said on a social media post: "We are tracking reports of the horrific shooting and fire at an LDS church in Grand Blanc, Michigan. @FBI agents are on the scene to assist local authorities. Violence in a place of worship is a cowardly and criminal act. Our prayers are with the victims and their families during this terrible tragedy.

United States Attorney General Pam Bondi said on X that she was “receiving briefings about what appears to be a horrific shooting and fire at an LDS church in Grand Blanc, Michigan.”

She added: “@FBI and @ATFHQ agents are en route to the scene now. Such violence at a place of worship is heartbreaking and chilling. Please join me in praying for the victims of this terrible tragedy.”

PHOTO CAPTION: Pictured above this story is a shot of the massive fire sent to CCN via text by a witness.

BY MIKE KILLBREATH

CCN Executive Editor

GRAND BLANC TOWSHIP (CCN) — Grand Blanc Township police have now confirmed an earlier breaking news bulletin on Metro Flint News/Talk Radio about a massive fire at a Latter Day Saints church on McClandish Road where a mass shooting took place.

A podcast of an updated special news bulletin on Metro Flint News/Talk Radio is below. 

Residents are being asked by police to please avoid the area where the shooting took place.

In the most recent statement, Grand Blanc Township police said: "The fire has been contained. We do not have names of victims at his time. Media press conference at the Grand Blanc Twp PD at 1:00 pm. There’s has been an active shooter at the Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Church on McCandlish Road. There are multiple victims and the shooter is down. There is NO threat to the public at this time."

An earlier statement issued on Facebook said, "The church is actively on fire. For people on site, the reunification site is the pavilion to the north. Offsite reunification will be at Trillium theater at Holly and McCandlish."

Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson also posted a video on social media. His comments were included with our breaking news bulletin aired by CCN on Metro Flint News/Talk Radio.

A press conference was set for 1 pm. (See related story at right if reading on your laptop or PC, or scroll down if you are reading on a mobile device or smart phone)

Multiple witnesses have sent photos, videos and information to CCN.

No other local news sources have yet reported the incident.

Witnesses are saying the shooter set the church on fire and then shot victims as they ran out of the church. Others say he rammed his vehicle through the church's front doors, pulled out an assault rifle and began shooting at people.

CCN has also not yet confirmed reports that a MAGA truck with American flags was seen in the parking lot of the church, believed to have belonged to the shooter who they say is dead.

Sources say police shot the man responsible for killing individuals and wounding others in the attack.

Police have only so far reported that the "shooter was down" and that there is no active threat to the public.

Numerous churches around the Metro Flint regional area reported mass exits as word of the shooting spread with the report on Metro Flint News/Talk Radio that police had not yet confirmed anything about the incident just minutes after CCN first reported it. 

PHOTO CAPTION: Pictured above this story is a shot of the massive fire sent to CCN via text by a witness.BY GARY ANDERSON

CCN Staff Writer

GRAND BLANC TOWSHIP (CCN) — CCN, a national cable news network, became the first national news source to report the mass shooting at a Grand Blanc Township.

The first report credited Metro Flint News/Talk Radio with breaking the story, and confirmed that police told CNN it was true about the mass shooting scene.

All that had been released so far by Grand Blanc Township Police and Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson on the scene had been that there were "multiple victims" and that the Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Church on McClandlish Road had been set on fire.

New news was then revealed at a 1 pm press conference that one person was dead among 10 victims, including three in critical condition.

Police did say the shooter was dead.

Grand Blanc Township Police Chief William Renye confirmed at the press conference that the shooter was killed in an exchange of gunfire with his officers who were the first law enforcement to arrive on the scene.

A bomb squad was also called in after a device was found in the shooter's vehicle that he crashed into the church before he began shooting, according to Chief Renye.

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer made a statement on X, formerly known as Twitter, about the local tragedy.

She said, "My heart is breaking for the Grand Blanc community. Violence anywhere, especially in a place of worship, is unacceptable. I am grateful to the first responders who took action quickly. We will continue to monitor this situation and hold the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc close.” 

FBI Director Kash Patel said on a social media post: "We are tracking reports of the horrific shooting and fire at an LDS church in Grand Blanc, Michigan. @FBI agents are on the scene to assist local authorities. Violence in a place of worship is a cowardly and criminal act. Our prayers are with the victims and their families during this terrible tragedy.

United States Attorney General Pam Bondi said on X that she was “receiving briefings about what appears to be a horrific shooting and fire at an LDS church in Grand Blanc, Michigan.”

She added: “@FBI and @ATFHQ agents are en route to the scene now. Such violence at a place of worship is heartbreaking and chilling. Please join me in praying for the victims of this terrible tragedy.”

PHOTO CAPTION: Pictured above this story is a shot of the massive fire sent to CCN via text by a witness.