Grand Blanc Township, MI — Family Mourns the Loss of John Bond, Second Victim in Church Shooting. The Grand Blanc community is reeling from the aftermath of a tragic shooting that unfolded Sunday morning at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc Township, Michigan. Among the four worshippers killed during the mass shooting, 77-year-old John Bond, a U.S. Navy veteran, has been identified as the second victim. His family and the local community are now grappling with the devastating loss of a man who lived a life dedicated to his family, faith, and country.

Bond, a proud Vietnam War veteran, was remembered by his family as a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. His passing has left an irreplaceable void in the lives of those who knew him, particularly his six children and ten grandchildren. In his final moments, relatives shared that Bond expressed a deep desire to call his wife, highlighting the loving bond that defined his life. His loss has shaken not only his immediate family but also the broader community, which mourns the death of a man who exemplified honor, resilience, and service.

The Tragic Shooting: What Happened Inside the Church?

The shooting at the Grand Blanc Mormon Church took place on the morning of Sunday, September 28, 2025, during a service attended by a congregation of worshippers. According to eyewitness accounts, the service was interrupted around 10:25 a.m. when a loud crash reverberated through the chapel, followed by a crack in the church’s wall. Initially, congregants believed that someone had accidentally struck the building with a vehicle, prompting them to rush outside to offer assistance.

However, the scene quickly took a far more alarming turn. Brian Taylor, one of the congregants, recalled the horrifying moment when he witnessed a man exit a pickup truck armed with a rifle. This was no accident. The gunman, later identified as 40-year-old Thomas Jacob Sanford, opened fire on the unsuspecting worshippers, causing panic and chaos inside the church. Taylor described the terror that followed as the sound of gunshots echoed through the building, with people scrambling for cover and trying to flee to safety.

Who Was the Attacker?

Authorities quickly identified the gunman as Thomas Jacob Sanford, a 40-year-old resident of Burton, Michigan, who had a criminal history that included arrests for burglary and operating while intoxicated. Sanford, a Marine veteran with multiple deployments to Iraq, had been living roughly 15 minutes from the church at the time of the attack. His military background, combined with his criminal record, paints a troubling picture of the man who would go on to carry out this senseless act of violence.

Investigators say that Sanford drove his truck into the front of the church, deliberately targeting the building and its occupants. Once inside, he began firing on the congregants, killing four and injuring several others. Witnesses reported seeing Sanford shoot indiscriminately, with no apparent regard for the lives of the people inside the church. Sanford then set the church on fire, adding to the destruction and fear that had already gripped the congregation.

As law enforcement responded swiftly to the scene, they encountered Sanford outside the burning church. Authorities shot and killed Sanford, ending the violent rampage and preventing any further loss of life. It remains unclear what specifically motivated Sanford to carry out such a brutal act, though investigators are working to uncover any underlying factors, including mental health issues, personal grievances, or possible extremist ideologies that could have contributed to the attack.

John Bond’s Legacy: A Devoted Family Man

John Bond’s life story is one of devotion, service, and love. Born and raised in Michigan, Bond was deeply committed to his family and country. As a U.S. Navy veteran who served during the Vietnam War, he had a long history of serving others, both on and off the battlefield. His military service shaped much of his character, instilling in him a sense of duty, honor, and discipline that carried over into every aspect of his life.

At the time of his death, Bond was surrounded by his large and loving family, including his six children and ten grandchildren. He was the patriarch of his family, a respected figure whose wisdom and guidance were cherished by all who knew him. Bond’s children have shared fond memories of their father, recalling his love for his wife, his unwavering support for his family, and his ability to bring people together.

In his final moments, Bond expressed his desire to speak with his wife, a reflection of the deep love and bond they shared. His family has spoken about how important his relationship with his wife was, noting that their partnership was a cornerstone of his life. He will be remembered as a man who not only served his country but also devoted his life to his family, always putting their needs above his own.

The Family’s Response: GoFundMe Page Set Up for Funeral Expenses

In the wake of Bond’s tragic death, his family has been left with the difficult task of honoring his memory and providing the funeral services he deserves. In an effort to help cover funeral and memorial expenses, as well as provide support for his wife during this difficult time, the family has set up a GoFundMe page. The page has been met with an outpouring of support from friends, family, and members of the community who are grieving the loss of this beloved man.

The loss of John Bond is not only felt by his immediate family but also by the entire Grand Blanc community. Bond’s death, alongside the other victims of the shooting, has left an indelible mark on the town. In the face of such tragedy, the community has rallied around the victims’ families, offering condolences, support, and resources to help them through this difficult time.

Witnessing the Horror: A Community in Shock

The impact of the shooting extends far beyond the families of the victims. For the congregants who were present during the attack, the memories of that day will be forever etched in their minds. Many of those who were inside the church at the time of the shooting have spoken about the sheer terror they felt as the gunfire rang out. Brian Taylor, the congregant who witnessed Sanford exiting the truck with a rifle, described how the atmosphere in the church changed in an instant, from a peaceful worship service to a scene of chaos and fear.

As law enforcement worked to secure the scene and evacuate survivors, the community was left to process the emotional toll of the attack. For many, it was not just the horror of witnessing a mass shooting but the loss of close friends and family members who were part of the congregation. The sense of betrayal and grief was palpable, as people realized that their peaceful church, a place of refuge and faith, had been violated in the most horrific way possible.

The Role of Faith and Community Support

Despite the deep sorrow that the shooting has brought to the community, faith and support have been central to the healing process. The members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have shown immense strength in the face of this tragedy, coming together to support one another and honor the memory of the victims. Religious leaders in the community have held vigils, prayer services, and counseling sessions to help individuals process the trauma and grief resulting from the attack.

Local churches and community organizations have been quick to offer help and support to the families of the victims, providing meals, shelter, and counseling services. The sense of community that has emerged in the wake of the tragedy has shown how powerful collective support can be during times of crisis. Many of those affected by the shooting have found solace in the support of their fellow community members, and the process of healing is just beginning.

Investigation and Motive: What Drove Sanford to Violence?

While the investigation into the motives behind the shooting continues, many questions remain unanswered. Why did Thomas Jacob Sanford, a Marine veteran with a history of violent behavior, target the church and its worshippers? Was his attack fueled by personal grievances, mental illness, or something else? These are questions that investigators are working to answer.

Sanford’s criminal history, which includes arrests for burglary and operating while intoxicated, raises additional concerns about his mental state and the potential warning signs that were overlooked. His military background, combined with his violent past, paints a troubling picture of a man who may have been struggling with deep personal issues, but it is unclear whether these factors directly contributed to the attack.

As law enforcement continues to investigate Sanford’s life and background, they are also working to piece together the events that led up to the shooting. Was the attack planned, or was it a spontaneous act of violence? Did Sanford have any connection to the church or its members? These are questions that may help investigators understand the motive behind the shooting and prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.

Conclusion: A Community in Mourning, a Legacy of Service

The loss of John Bond and the other victims of the Grand Blanc Mormon Church shooting has left the community in mourning. For those who knew him, Bond’s death represents the loss of a devoted family man, a brave U.S. Navy veteran, and a pillar of his community. His legacy will live on through the memories of his family and friends, as well as the contributions he made during his service to his country and his family.

As the investigation continues and the community grapples with the aftermath of the tragedy, the bond between the survivors, the victims’ families, and the Grand Blanc community remains strong. The healing process will take time, but with the support of one another and the commitment to honoring the memories of those lost, the community will continue to move forward.