Grand Blanc Township, MI — Father of Thomas Jacob Sanford, Michigan Church Shooter, Struggles to Understand Son’s Actions After Deadly Rampage. In the aftermath of the devastating shooting at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc Township, Michigan, the family of Thomas Jacob Sanford is grappling with an overwhelming tragedy. Sanford, 40, a former Marine and father, opened fire on a congregation during Sunday morning services on September 28, 2025, killing four people, including himself, and injuring several others. His father, devastated by the actions of his son, has publicly expressed sorrow and offered an apology to the families of the victims. However, despite their grief, the Sanford family has no answers as to why this violence occurred.

The Heartfelt Apology to Victims’ Families

In a statement to USA Today, Thomas Jacob Sanford’s father offered an apology to the families of those affected by the shooting. “I feel terrible about all the families that have been hurt, and they’re under the same crap that I’m going under, that my wife and I are going under,” he said. “I apologize for that.” His words were not only an expression of personal sorrow but also an attempt to acknowledge the pain caused by his son’s horrific actions.

The elder Sanford, who has been reluctant to speak to the media throughout the investigation, indicated that his family was devastated by the tragedy but had no answers regarding why his son would carry out such a violent attack. “The only thing I can say is that it was my son that did it,” Sanford’s father said in a somber reflection. “As far as why? Irrelevant. It happened. We’re dealing with it. It’s been a nightmare.”

The Sanford family, already heartbroken by the loss of their son, now faces the immense challenge of processing the grief of losing a loved one to violence, compounded by the knowledge that their son was responsible for the deaths of others. Their public statement is an expression of empathy for the victims and their families while grappling with the reality of their son’s actions.

A Devastating Attack: What Happened at the Church?

On Sunday morning, as hundreds of congregants gathered for services at the Grand Blanc Mormon Church, tragedy struck. The church, a place of peace and worship, became the site of unimaginable horror. At around 10:25 a.m., as members of the congregation were attending to their spiritual practices, a loud crash interrupted the service. Initially, churchgoers believed that a vehicle had accidentally struck the building. However, their assumption quickly changed when a man armed with a rifle exited a pickup truck and opened fire on the crowd.

The attacker was later identified as Thomas Jacob Sanford, a former Marine and the son of the man who issued the public apology. Sanford, a 40-year-old resident of Burton, Michigan, had driven his pickup truck into the front of the church before exiting the vehicle and opening fire on the unsuspecting worshippers. His actions were quick and deliberate, leaving many in the congregation scrambling to find cover or flee to safety. The situation turned even more tragic when Sanford set the building on fire before being confronted by law enforcement officers.

The gunfire and subsequent fire led to the deaths of four individuals, including Sanford. The victims included both adults and older members of the congregation, including 77-year-old John Bond, a U.S. Navy veteran, who was one of the first victims identified. Eight additional people were injured, some critically. The chaotic scene left many traumatized and caused widespread panic throughout the community. The attack prompted a heavy police response, and law enforcement officers were eventually able to fatally shoot Sanford as he attempted to flee from the church.

Sanford’s Background: A Man Who Served His Country

Thomas Jacob Sanford’s background is one that adds to the shock and confusion surrounding his actions. A decorated Marine veteran, Sanford had served in Iraq as part of a logistics unit. His service in the U.S. Marine Corps included several deployments, and he had been stationed in Iraq during a turbulent period. On the surface, Sanford appeared to be a dedicated man with a sense of duty to his country and family. His father described him as someone who “loved the United States; he loved his family. He was a good man. He was a family man.”

However, in the aftermath of the shooting, questions have arisen about how Sanford’s military service may have affected his mental health. While his father declined to speculate on whether his time in the military changed Sanford or contributed to the attack, many have pointed to the emotional and psychological toll that combat can have on service members. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a condition that affects many veterans, and it has been linked to heightened risks of violence, substance abuse, and mental health struggles.

Sanford’s criminal history, which includes arrests for burglary and operating a vehicle while intoxicated, has also come under scrutiny. Law enforcement is currently investigating whether Sanford’s past criminal behavior and possible undiagnosed mental health conditions played a role in the tragic events that unfolded at the church.

Sanford’s Father Reflects on the Tragedy

In his statements to the media, Sanford’s father expressed deep sorrow and confusion over his son’s actions. “We have no answers,” he said, acknowledging the lack of understanding that many people—both within the Sanford family and the broader community—feel about why Sanford chose to carry out such a violent act. Sanford’s father declined to provide any further details about his son’s mental state or possible triggers for the attack.

For the elder Sanford, the situation is nothing short of a nightmare. “It’s been a nightmare,” he stated, reflecting on the pain and grief he and his family are experiencing. His comments reflect the deep turmoil and anguish his family is going through after learning that their son was responsible for such a horrific event.

Despite his family’s devastation, Sanford’s father was quick to apologize for the pain caused by his son’s actions. His words of apology have been met with mixed reactions, with some expressing sympathy for the family’s plight, while others remain focused on the victims and their families, demanding justice for the lives lost in the shooting.

The Search for Answers: Why Did Sanford Do This?

As the investigation into the shooting continues, many questions remain unanswered. Law enforcement has not yet provided any definitive answers as to what motivated Sanford to carry out the attack. Was the shooting planned, or did Sanford snap in the heat of the moment? Was it a personal vendetta against someone in the congregation, or was the attack motivated by something else entirely? Authorities are working to piece together the details of Sanford’s life in an effort to understand why he chose to bring violence into a place of worship.

Several factors may have played a role in Sanford’s actions, but the investigation is ongoing. Sanford’s military service, his criminal history, and possible mental health issues are all being examined to determine whether any of these factors contributed to the deadly rampage. Investigators are also looking into whether Sanford had any connections to the church, its members, or any specific individuals. As the pieces of the puzzle begin to fall into place, law enforcement hopes to shed light on the reasons behind Sanford’s actions.

The Community’s Response: Mourning and Moving Forward

The shooting at the Grand Blanc Mormon Church has devastated not only the families of the victims but also the entire Grand Blanc community. Residents, congregants, and local leaders are grappling with the aftermath of the violence and are working to support those affected. In the days following the shooting, local churches and organizations have organized vigils, prayer services, and counseling sessions to help the community cope with the trauma.

For many in the community, the shock of the attack is still fresh. The church, once a place of sanctuary, is now a site of mourning and loss. In addition to the victims’ families, the survivors of the attack are also grappling with the emotional scars left by the shooting. Many of those who witnessed the violence firsthand are receiving counseling and support, as they work through the pain and fear brought on by the tragedy.

The community has shown incredible resilience in the face of such horrific violence. Local leaders have come together to offer support to the victims’ families, and residents are continuing to rally around those who were affected. The outpouring of love and compassion has been a testament to the strength of the Grand Blanc community as they begin to heal from this traumatic event.

A Call for Change: Addressing Gun Violence and Mental Health

The events that unfolded at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc Township have sparked renewed conversations about gun violence, mental health, and the need for stronger security measures in public spaces, especially places of worship. In the wake of the tragedy, many people are calling for greater attention to the mental health needs of veterans, particularly those returning from combat zones, as well as a closer look at gun safety and public security in religious and community settings.

Mental health advocates are urging lawmakers to prioritize mental health care for veterans and service members, ensuring that those who may be struggling with the aftermath of their experiences receive the help they need. The tragedy at the church has underscored the need for better mental health support and intervention to prevent future violence.

Additionally, the attack has highlighted the importance of improving security measures in public spaces, particularly places of worship. Many congregations across the country are now rethinking their security protocols, ensuring that their members can worship in peace without the threat of violence.

Conclusion: A Tragic Legacy

The tragic events that unfolded at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc Township have left a lasting impact on the victims’ families, the community, and the entire nation. As law enforcement continues to investigate the motive behind the attack, the focus is shifting toward honoring the memories of the victims and supporting their loved ones as they navigate the difficult aftermath of the shooting.

The legacy of Thomas Jacob Sanford’s actions will be one of confusion, grief, and sorrow. While his father’s words of apology and sorrow reflect the family’s pain, they are unlikely to bring the comfort that victims’ families so desperately need. What the community needs now is healing, justice, and answers, as they come to terms with the horrifying events that changed their lives forever.