The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Nearly a year after a gunman attacked the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc Township, Michigan, the community continues to process the trauma while moving toward recovery. On Sept. 28, 2025, Thomas "Jake" Sanford rammed a truck into the church and opened fire before setting the building ablaze, killing four people—John Bond, Thelma Armstrong, Craig Hayden and William "Pat" Howard—and injuring 10 others. Sanford was fatally shot by a Michigan DNR officer and a Grand Blanc police officer. Federal authorities determined the attack was driven by anti-Mormon animus, with survivors recalling Sanford questioning victims about their faith before shooting.

In the year since, local government, schools and law enforcement have expanded counseling services, launched a resiliency center, and trained officers to help houses of worship prepare for potential attacks. Businesses and interfaith groups rallied around the community, and a Catholic parish plans to install a memorial statue and security bollards. Church officials have announced plans to rebuild the meetinghouse on the same site, with a groundbreaking ceremony scheduled for the anniversary. Residents describe grief as something to live with, not overcome, even as rebuilding offers a path forward.