GRAND BLANC, Mich. – The gunman who opened fire at a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc,Michigan,on Sunday,September 28,2025,has been identified as a veteran of the Iraq War. The shooting and subsequent fire left one person dead and multiple others injured, prompting a swift response from emergency services and a continuing investigation into the motive behind the attack.
The incident raises questions about the challenges faced by veterans transitioning back to civilian life and the potential for unresolved trauma. Authorities have not yet released a motive, but are meticulously examining the shooter’s background, including his military service and personal history, to understand the factors that may have contributed to the violence. The community is reeling from the shock, and the investigation is ongoing.
The shooter has been identified as Sanford, who served in the Marine corps and worked in combat logistics at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina before leaving the military in March 2008. Records from the Marine Corps indicate he received standard commendations during his service.
According to online posts from the family and the hospital, Sanford’s son faced significant health challenges from birth, adding another layer to the unfolding narrative.
As of Monday, September 29, 2025, no motive has been determined for the shooting and fire. Investigators continue to gather evidence and interview witnesses in an effort to piece together the events leading up to the attack.
