Crime
Grand Blanc Mormon Church shooting suspect identified as 40-year-old Thomas Jacob Sanford
Grand Blanc Township, Michigan — Authorities have identified the gunman responsible for the deadly attack at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc as 40-year-old Thomas Jacob Sanford, a resident of Burton, Michigan.
Sanford, a U.S. Marine veteran who served in Iraq from 2004 to 2008, according to social media posts by his family, launched a violent assault on the congregation late Sunday morning.
Investigators say Sanford drove his Chevy Silverado into the church’s entrance before opening fire with a semi-automatic rifle on worshippers inside.
At least two people were killed and nine others wounded in the attack, with authorities warning the death toll could rise once investigators are able to fully search the building.
Hundreds of worshippers had been inside at the time.
Emergency responders said several victims were transported to local hospitals, while others remain unaccounted for.
Witnesses reported seeing elderly men lying motionless on the ground, and police believe additional victims may still be inside the burned structure.
Following the shooting, Sanford allegedly set the church on fire. Drone footage and aerial images show the building engulfed in flames, with a column of thick black smoke visible for miles. The roof later collapsed as fire crews battled the inferno.
Scanner traffic and police sources revealed that Sanford’s vehicle emitted a beeping noise, prompting concerns about an explosive device.
The bomb squad is actively investigating several suspicious items found on church property, which officials fear could be improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
Sanford lived on Atherton Road in Burton, Michigan, where police were seen conducting operations on Sunday afternoon.
Public property records link the residence to Sanford, who also owns a 2008 GMC Sierra, consistent with the vehicle used in the attack.
Social media accounts linked to Sanford depict him as a family man, married with a young son.
A 2015 GoFundMe campaign raised more than $3,000 for the child, who was born with congenital hyperinsulinism (CHI), a rare genetic disorder. Family photos posted online showed the Sanfords smiling together in pickup trucks and sunflower fields — a sharp contrast to Sunday’s horrific violence.
Sanford was fatally shot by police outside the church during the confrontation. Video from the scene shows his body lying near the burning building as first responders secured the perimeter.
Law enforcement agencies at the local, state, and federal level are working together to determine Sanford’s motives.
Early findings suggest he may have struggled with mental health issues, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and investigators are also examining possible anti-Mormon rhetoric posted online.
At least 15 to 20 law enforcement vehicles, including unmarked units, responded to the scene along South Saginaw Road. The area remains sealed off as the investigation continues.
Officials have scheduled a press conference for further details are expected regarding the number of casualties, the condition of the injured, and whether any explosives were confirmed.
City of Hammond, Louisiana — At approximately 11:50 p.m. on February 24, 2026, officers with the Hammond Police Department responded to a report of shots fired involving one possible victim.
Upon arrival, officers located a 14-year-old juvenile female, identified as Tyronai Reed, suffering from an apparent gunshot wound.
Emergency medical assistance was rendered at the scene, and she was transported to North Oaks Health System for treatment.
Despite life-saving efforts, Reed later succumbed to her injuries.
Detectives assigned to the department’s Criminal Investigations Division launched an immediate homicide investigation.
During the course of their investigation, authorities identified 18-year-old Demontez Treyvon “Trey” Robinson of Hammond as a suspect in the shooting.
While actively working the case, officers observed a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed and conducted a traffic stop.
Robinson was identified as the driver of the vehicle and was taken into custody without incident.
Robinson was transported to the Criminal Investigations Division for questioning. According to investigators, Robinson admitted that the firearm discharged while he was handling or “playing with” it, resulting in the single round striking the 14-year-old victim.
Robinson was subsequently booked into the Hammond City Jail on one count of Negligent Homicide.
Authorities emphasize that the investigation remains in its early stages and additional details may be released as they become available.
Anyone with information related to this incident is encouraged to contact Detective Corey Morse with the Hammond Police Department Criminal Investigations Division at 985-277-5758 or via email at morse_cm@hammond.org. Tips may also be submitted through the department’s official Facebook page or anonymously through Crime Stoppers of Tangipahoa at 1-800-554-5245.
Individuals providing information may be eligible for a cash reward. Authorities urge members of the community to assist in the ongoing investigation.