The tragedy that struck the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) in Grand Blanc Township, Michigan, on Sunday, September 28, 2025, continues to reverberate throughout the community. Authorities have identified Pat Howard as the third victim of the horrific mass shooting that claimed the lives of four innocent churchgoers. Pat Howard, a beloved husband, uncle, and friend, was tragically killed when 40-year-old Thomas Jacob Sanford opened fire during the church service.

In the wake of this devastating loss, Howard’s family has paid tribute to the man they knew as not only a source of unwavering love and warmth but as someone who embodied kindness, intelligence, and a deep curiosity for the world around him. Relatives have described him as an individual whose life was defined by his enduring bonds with family and friends, and whose presence left an indelible mark on everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.

Remembering Pat Howard: A Tribute to a Life Well-Lived

Pat Howard’s family has expressed deep sorrow and reflected on his many qualities, emphasizing his love for his family and his unending curiosity. A tribute from his relatives read, “Uncle Pat was so many things. He was smart, kind, funny, serious, and endlessly curious. He loved his family deeply.” Those who knew him well recalled how his conversations were always rich with insight, humor, and an unmistakable joy of living.

“To spend your life surrounded by the love and laughter of Aunt Kitty and all the Howard kids—that’s a life well spent,” one relative added. Pat’s ability to light up a room with his witty remarks and the occasional perfectly timed piece of knowledge made him a beloved figure in family gatherings. “In my mind, I see him mid-conversation,” one family member shared. “Whatever it was, I wanted to be around that table.”

Pat Howard’s legacy will live on in the hearts of his family and friends, who are now left to cope with the shock and grief of his sudden passing. As the community processes this tremendous loss, a fundraiser has been launched to help support Pat’s wife, Kitty, with funeral and burial expenses, as well as to provide financial assistance during this difficult time.

Community Support and the Call for Kindness

In the wake of such a devastating loss, Pat’s family has called upon the community for their support. A message from the Howard family encourages both financial contributions and simple acts of kindness to honor Pat’s memory: “If you can’t afford to donate, do something nice for your neighbor, tell someone you love them, and be the person you want your neighbor to be.” The importance of kindness in the face of tragedy is something Pat Howard himself undoubtedly embodied.

As a community, the residents of Grand Blanc Township have come together to mourn, offering their condolences and their help to Pat’s family during this difficult time. Many have shared their memories of him, reminiscing about his infectious laughter and his profound love for those closest to him. Through these gestures, the love and support surrounding Pat’s family have provided a small but significant source of solace amidst the tragedy.

The Tragic Events of September 28, 2025: A Day of Unimaginable Violence

The events leading up to Pat Howard’s death began on the morning of September 28, 2025, when Thomas Jacob Sanford, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, drove his pickup truck into the front entrance of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc Township. The attack took place during a morning service, when congregants were gathered in prayer, unaware of the imminent violence.

Sanford, who was armed with an assault rifle, began shooting indiscriminately at those inside the church. Witnesses reported a scene of chaos as congregants scrambled to escape, but many were caught in the crossfire. After opening fire, Sanford set the church building on fire, causing a massive blaze that eventually led to the roof collapsing.

As emergency crews responded to the scene, the destruction was overwhelming. Four people were confirmed dead, including Pat Howard, and eight others were injured. The building itself was completely destroyed, a total loss for the church and its congregation. Firefighters and search-and-rescue teams immediately began combing through the rubble, working tirelessly to identify any further victims trapped under the debris.

Sanford, who was killed during an exchange of gunfire with responding officers, was later identified as the assailant. He had a history of previous arrests for burglary and operating a vehicle while intoxicated. Sanford had served as a mechanic and vehicle recovery operator during his time in the military, and military records and social media profiles paint a picture of a man who was a husband, father, and outdoorsman.

A Closer Look at the Assailant: Thomas Jacob Sanford

Thomas Jacob Sanford’s tragic actions have left many questioning the factors that may have led to such an attack. Sanford had served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 2004 to 2008, during which time he was deployed to Iraq as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Sanford’s military background raised concerns when reports surfaced that the attack was part of a series of tragic incidents involving Iraq War veterans.

Prior to the shooting, Sanford had been arrested on multiple occasions for criminal activities, including burglary and driving under the influence. These troubling events in his past appear to have been contributing factors in his eventual unraveling. Sanford’s motivations for such an extreme act of violence remain unclear, and authorities, including the FBI, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and local law enforcement, are continuing to investigate.

A Broader Crisis: Iraq War Veterans and Gun Violence

The Grand Blanc Township shooting marked the second mass shooting in less than 24 hours involving Iraq War veterans. Just hours earlier, another former Marine opened fire at a Southport bar in North Carolina, killing three individuals and injuring eight others. This incident has raised alarm over the mental health struggles faced by veterans returning from war, particularly those who may not receive the support and care they need in the aftermath of their service.

The increasing frequency of mass shootings involving military veterans has sparked renewed conversations about the need for improved mental health care for those who have served in combat. Experts have long called for more accessible and effective mental health services for veterans, who often face unique challenges in reintegrating into civilian life after experiencing the trauma of war. This issue is becoming more urgent, as the cumulative effects of PTSD, depression, and other mental health conditions can manifest in violent, catastrophic ways if left unaddressed.

Investigations and Ongoing Search for Answers

As the FBI, ATF, and local law enforcement agencies continue their investigation into the shooting, authorities are focusing on understanding the motives behind Sanford’s actions. While there is speculation regarding his mental health, the full picture of what drove him to commit such a violent act is still unclear.

In the meantime, the search-and-rescue teams continue their painstaking work of combing through the wreckage of the church building in search of any additional victims who may still be trapped beneath the rubble. While the building has been deemed a total loss, the community is resolute in its commitment to recover from this devastating event. GoFundMe

A Community Forever Changed

The tragic events of September 28, 2025, will forever leave their mark on the Grand Blanc Township community. In addition to the unimaginable grief of losing loved ones, residents now grapple with the deep emotional scars left by the violence that shattered their sense of safety and security. In the face of such a profound tragedy, the resilience of the community has been evident, as individuals come together to support one another, provide comfort, and honor the memories of the lives lost. GoFundMe

In the coming weeks and months, the Howard family and the other victims’ families will need all the support they can get. The community’s commitment to kindness, as reflected in Pat’s family’s tribute, will play a key role in helping them heal. Although the pain of this loss will never fade, the love and support of those around them will undoubtedly provide some solace in the aftermath. GoFundMe

Conclusion: The Call for Action

The tragedy at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc Township highlights the ongoing need for more robust mental health support for veterans, as well as better gun control measures to prevent such violence. As the community works to rebuild, the legacy of Pat Howard and the other victims will live on in the hearts of those who loved them. Their stories will continue to inspire acts of kindness, and their memories will forever serve as a reminder of the importance of family, compassion, and community in times of crisis.GoFundMe

As we reflect on the lives lost and the survivors who now carry the weight of this tragedy, let us heed the call for change and work together to prevent further violence in our communities. GoFundMe