Bodycam footage offers inside look at Michigan Stake Center attack

GRAND BLANC, Mich. — On September 28, 2025, officers from the Grand Blanc Police Department and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office responded to a violent attack at a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints meetinghouse. The suspect, 40-year-old Thomas Jacob Sanford, drove a truck into the building, set it on fire, and opened fire on church members, killing four.

Body camera footage obtained from authorities shows officers confronting the active shooter outside the building before he was fatally shot after refusing commands to surrender. The footage captures the urgency and coordination of law enforcement as they rushed into the burning structure to rescue those trapped inside and provide first aid.

Officers and emergency personnel also established a triage area outside the church as smoke filled the building, limiting visibility and access to victims. The footage documents the danger faced by first responders while highlighting their efforts to save lives amid chaotic conditions. Authorities confirmed the attack was targeted against members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints due to the suspect’s hatred of the religion.

The video and subsequent drone footage of the aftermath offer a detailed perspective on the law enforcement response, emphasizing the bravery and quick action of first responders in the face of a deadly attack. In the days following the tragedy, the Grand Blanc community and Church members worldwide responded with support, prayer, and acts of compassion, honoring the lives lost while emphasizing faith, forgiveness, and unity.