The deadly shooting and attack of a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) chapel in Grand Blanc, Michigan, U.S.A., on September 28, left 5 people dead including the shooter. Eight people were injured and the building was set on fire. Several U.S. Catholic bishops issued statements of prayers, condolences and solidarity; and the LDS Church wrote in thanksgiving for everyone's support (SEE Below). The attack occurred during a Sunday service with hundreds in attendance.
SEE Also BREAKING 5 Dead and 8 Injured after Shooting https://www.catholicnewsworld.com/2025/09/breaking-5-die-and-8-injured-after.html
The suspect, 40-year-old Thomas Jacob Sanford of Burton, Michigan, drove a pickup truck into the chapel, entered with a rifle, and began shooting.
He then started a fire inside the building. Grand Blanc Township Police arrived and killed the attacker after a shootout. Firefighters put out the fire, but the chapel was destroyed. The victims were two adults and one child found, while one person died from gunshot wounds at the hospital. Eight others were injured; please pray for them.
Statement by Bishop Boyea in response to fatal attack upon Mormon meetinghouse in Grand Blanc (pictured) September 29, 2025
He then started a fire inside the building. Grand Blanc Township Police arrived and killed the attacker after a shootout. Firefighters put out the fire, but the chapel was destroyed. The victims were two adults and one child found, while one person died from gunshot wounds at the hospital. Eight others were injured; please pray for them.
Statement by Bishop Boyea in response to fatal attack upon Mormon meetinghouse in Grand Blanc (pictured) September 29, 2025
Diocese of Lansing - Monday, September 29, 2025 - Feast of the Holy Archangels
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
As Bishop of the Diocese of Lansing, I offer my prayers for all those killed in yesterday’s fatal attack upon the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints meetinghouse in Grand Blanc Township while also assuring those who mourn, and those who are injured, my solace and support.
Any place of worship should be a sanctuary of peace. The violation of such a haven, especially upon a Sunday morning, makes yesterday’s act of mass violence even more shocking. I commend the first responders for heroically assisting at the scene and for working to safeguard other local places of worship.
Lastly, let us remember that Jesus Christ is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Hence, in this moment of tragedy, let us all draw closer to Jesus, Prince of Peace.
Our Lady, Comforter of the Afflicted, pray for us.
Assuring you of my prayers, I am sincerely yours in Christ,
+Earl Boyea
Bishop of Lansing
Archbishop Weisenburger issues statement on Grand Blanc church shooting
In response to the September 28, 2025 shooting at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc, MI,
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
As Bishop of the Diocese of Lansing, I offer my prayers for all those killed in yesterday’s fatal attack upon the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints meetinghouse in Grand Blanc Township while also assuring those who mourn, and those who are injured, my solace and support.
Any place of worship should be a sanctuary of peace. The violation of such a haven, especially upon a Sunday morning, makes yesterday’s act of mass violence even more shocking. I commend the first responders for heroically assisting at the scene and for working to safeguard other local places of worship.
Lastly, let us remember that Jesus Christ is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Hence, in this moment of tragedy, let us all draw closer to Jesus, Prince of Peace.
Our Lady, Comforter of the Afflicted, pray for us.
Assuring you of my prayers, I am sincerely yours in Christ,
+Earl Boyea
Bishop of Lansing
Archbishop Weisenburger issues statement on Grand Blanc church shooting
In response to the September 28, 2025 shooting at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc, MI,
Archbishop of Detroit, Edward Weisenburger issued the following statement:
"I am heartbroken by yesterday’s gun violence and arson in Grand Blanc. In this time of immense sorrow, I ask that we stand in solidarity with the victims, their families, and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Let us pray for peace and stability in our world and let us commit ourselves to actions that help to create that peace. In an era marked by hostilities and division, let us all come together in faith and compassion, upholding the fundamental right to worship freely and without fear. May God’s infinite love and mercy embrace and heal us all."
"I am heartbroken by yesterday’s gun violence and arson in Grand Blanc. In this time of immense sorrow, I ask that we stand in solidarity with the victims, their families, and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Let us pray for peace and stability in our world and let us commit ourselves to actions that help to create that peace. In an era marked by hostilities and division, let us all come together in faith and compassion, upholding the fundamental right to worship freely and without fear. May God’s infinite love and mercy embrace and heal us all."
The Bishop of Arlington, Virginia, Michael Burbidge wrote on X:
From Archbishop Bernard A. Hebda - from the Archdiocese of St Paul-Minneapolis
Just last month, the regional leadership of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints extended their sincere condolences and prayers to the faithful of this Archdiocese in the aftermath of the shooting at Annunciation Church, expressing their closeness to us at that challenging time.
Today, we were saddened to learn of the tragic shooting that took place at one of their chapels in Grand Blanc, Michigan. I will be promising them our prayers for those who were killed, as well as for those who were injured, their families, and all who were present in that House of Worship. Please join me in praying for them and for an end to senseless violence around the globe.
May we be united in prayer for those who lost their lives in the tragic violence at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc Township, Michigan. We pray for their eternal rest, for comfort to their families, and for healing and peace for the entire…
— Bishop Michael F. Burbidge (@BishopBurbidge) September 29, 2025
From Archbishop Bernard A. Hebda - from the Archdiocese of St Paul-Minneapolis
Just last month, the regional leadership of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints extended their sincere condolences and prayers to the faithful of this Archdiocese in the aftermath of the shooting at Annunciation Church, expressing their closeness to us at that challenging time.
Today, we were saddened to learn of the tragic shooting that took place at one of their chapels in Grand Blanc, Michigan. I will be promising them our prayers for those who were killed, as well as for those who were injured, their families, and all who were present in that House of Worship. Please join me in praying for them and for an end to senseless violence around the globe.
Diocese of Grand Rapids, MI - Statement on Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints attack
Bishop Walkowiak issues the following statement following the Sept. 28 attack on a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints chapel in Michigan:
“I wish to express my sorrow over the tragic attack that occurred today at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc Township.
No one should ever fear for their safety while gathering to worship. The ability to pray, to assemble peacefully, and to express one’s faith is not only a constitutional right but a moral necessity for a compassionate society.
My prayers are with the victims, their families, and the entire Latter-day Saints community as they grieve and seek healing in the face of this senseless violence.”
sentido.”
Statement on Violence at a Chapel in Grand Blanc, Michigan
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints issued the following to the media on Sunday, September 28, 2025.*
“A tragic act of violence occurred today at a chapel of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc, Michigan. During Sunday worship services a gunman opened fire, and early reports indicate that multiple individuals were injured. We ask for cooperation with local authorities as details become available.
“The Church is in communication with local law enforcement as the investigation continues and as we receive updates on the condition of those affected. We offer thanks to the emergency responders who are assisting victims and families.
“We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of prayers and concern from so many people around the world. In moments of sorrow and uncertainty, we find strength and comfort through our faith in Jesus Christ. Places of worship are meant to be sanctuaries of peacemaking, prayer and connection. We pray for peace and healing for all involved.”
Sources: https://www.dioceseoflansing.org/news/read-statement-bishop-boyea-response-fatal-attack-upon-mormon-meetinghouse-grand-blanc
https://grdiocese.org/statement-on-church-of-jesus-christ-of-latter-day-saints-attack/
https://www.aod.org/announcements-newsroom/newsroom/2025/september/archbishop-weisenburger-issues-statement-on-grand-blanc-church-shooting
Bishop Walkowiak issues the following statement following the Sept. 28 attack on a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints chapel in Michigan:
“I wish to express my sorrow over the tragic attack that occurred today at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc Township.
No one should ever fear for their safety while gathering to worship. The ability to pray, to assemble peacefully, and to express one’s faith is not only a constitutional right but a moral necessity for a compassionate society.
My prayers are with the victims, their families, and the entire Latter-day Saints community as they grieve and seek healing in the face of this senseless violence.”
sentido.”
Statement on Violence at a Chapel in Grand Blanc, Michigan
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints issued the following to the media on Sunday, September 28, 2025.*
“A tragic act of violence occurred today at a chapel of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc, Michigan. During Sunday worship services a gunman opened fire, and early reports indicate that multiple individuals were injured. We ask for cooperation with local authorities as details become available.
“The Church is in communication with local law enforcement as the investigation continues and as we receive updates on the condition of those affected. We offer thanks to the emergency responders who are assisting victims and families.
“We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of prayers and concern from so many people around the world. In moments of sorrow and uncertainty, we find strength and comfort through our faith in Jesus Christ. Places of worship are meant to be sanctuaries of peacemaking, prayer and connection. We pray for peace and healing for all involved.”
Sources: https://www.dioceseoflansing.org/news/read-statement-bishop-boyea-response-fatal-attack-upon-mormon-meetinghouse-grand-blanc
https://grdiocese.org/statement-on-church-of-jesus-christ-of-latter-day-saints-attack/
https://www.aod.org/announcements-newsroom/newsroom/2025/september/archbishop-weisenburger-issues-statement-on-grand-blanc-church-shooting
https://www.archspm.org/statement-regarding-deadly-attack-at-latter-day-saints-church-in-michigan/
https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/statement-violence-chapel-grand-blanc-michigan
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