GOODRICH, Mich. — A Michigan church is confirming that the man accused of opening fire at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc Township Sunday had a recent encounter just days before the deadly attack.
In an email to members, The River Church in Goodrich shared that Thomas Jacob Sanford, the suspect in Sunday’s mass shooting and fire at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc Twp., visited its church on September 21 — a week before the attack. Church leaders say Sanford came with his family and spoke with staff about wanting to have his son baptized.
According to the church’s statement, Sanford became agitated during that conversation, though he showed no signs of physical violence and left without incident. “While he became agitated during that interaction, he did not show any indication of physical violence, and he and his family left without incident,” the statement read.
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Church leaders say Sanford had also rented space at the River Church back in 2015, when his family used the building for a fundraiser related to his son’s medical condition. They emphasized that the event was a simple facility rental, not part of church ministry.
Following the Grand Blanc tragedy, law enforcement conducted a full inspection of the Goodrich location and cleared it as safe. Officers also swept surrounding areas “in an abundance of caution.”
The church said it released this information “in the spirit of transparency” and to assure members that every safety step is being taken.
In its message, The River Church also expressed deep sorrow for the victims and their families, quoting Psalm 34:18 — “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.”
The email concluded by thanking security and medical teams who serve across the church’s nine campuses, noting that some members of its security staff are armed while serving. Leaders said a full review of safety procedures is now underway.
Background on the Grand Blanc Church Shooting
Authorities say 40-year-old Thomas Jacob Sanford drove a pickup truck into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc Township on Sunday, opened fire on worshippers, and then set the building on fire.
Four people were killed and eight were injured, including children and elderly victims. Investigators later discovered explosive devices inside the suspect’s vehicle. The FBI continues to lead the investigation, calling it a targeted act of violence.
