Father Apologizes After Son’s Deadly Church Attack in Michigan

GRAND BLANC TOWNSHIP, Mich. — Thomas Sanford apologized to the families affected by a tragic shooting at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Sunday, September 28. His son, whose identity has not been publicly disclosed, allegedly drove a pickup truck into the church and opened fire on worshippers, killing four and injuring eight others.

Sanford spoke to the Detroit Free Press in a phone interview on Monday, expressing his sorrow. “I feel terrible about all the families that have been hurt,” he said, his voice breaking. “I apologize for that.”

Investigators say the suspect, a 40-year-old former Marine, raged against the church before carrying out the attack. He reportedly entered the building after crashing his GMC truck and began shooting with an assault rifle. After the incident, he died in a confrontation with police.

“He was a good man. He was a family man,” Thomas Sanford said of his son. “He served in Iraq and loved this country.” However, he declined to discuss whether the war impacted his son’s actions, stating, “The only thing I can say is that it was my son that did it.”

During the phone call, Thomas shared that his son had been honest about his beliefs and had voiced complaints about the church’s congregation. Local politician Kris Johns claimed he spoke with the younger Sanford just days before the attack and described him as ranting against members of the church.

The community is in shock, mourning the loss of life and grappling with the implications of the event. Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer visited the site, urging restraint as the investigation unfolds. “Speculation is unhelpful and it can be downright dangerous,” she said.

As the investigation continues, authorities recovered improvised explosive devices from the suspect’s vehicle. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is involved in the ongoing inquiry into the deadly assault.

“Grand Blanc is a good and quiet town,” said Tony Deck, a local resident. “It’s extremely sad.” Mourners gathered for a vigil to honor the victims shortly after the tragedy.

According to a hospital official at Henry Ford Genesys Hospital, eight people were treated for injuries ranging from gunshot wounds to smoke inhalation. Some of the attending medical staff members were church members who rushed to assist during the chaos.