It is clear a person’s hatred towards the Mormon neighborhood fueled a lethal September assault at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc Township, the FBI has confirmed.
Whereas the Free Press and different media retailers beforehand reported particulars concerning the suspect’s emotions concerning the church neighborhood, the FBI didn’t present particular remark about non secular motivation till this week.
A piece of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc Township is seen on Monday, October 6, 2025, by means of cloth alongside the fencing surrounding the charred stays on the scene the place the church was burned down amid the Sept. 28 deadly capturing.
Jennifer Runyan, particular agent in cost on the FBI Detroit Discipline workplace, offered a quick replace on Friday, Oct. 31. Her feedback and extra particulars come roughly one month after the assault left 5 lifeless — together with the assailant — and 9 others injured.
Though a lot of the data she offered was beforehand recognized, she did say the investigation stays open.
“Based mostly upon the information, circumstances and data obtained on this case, I’m confirming that it is a focused act of violence belived to be motivated by the assailant’s anti-religious beliefs in opposition to the Mormon non secular neighborhood,” Runyan mentioned.
“This motive was decided primarily based upon numerous hours of examine efforts by our crew, as properly the cooperation of legislation enforcement companions, the neighborhood and the U.S. Legal professional’s Workplace for the Jap District of Michigan.”
She mentioned the FBI continues to pursue all credible leads associated to this case.
On Sept. 28, authorities mentioned Thomas Jacob Sanford drove his truck into the Grand Blanc Township facility. It seems he lit a fireplace earlier than capturing individuals on the facility. Police mentioned officers arrived inside minutes, fatally capturing Sanford.
Runyan thanked officers who responded to the capturing and folks inside or across the church who helped these in want, calling all of them “courageous.”
“This tragedy not solely affected the Grand Blanc neighborhood but additionally left an enduring influence on our nation. The FBI stays absolutely dedicated to doing all that it will possibly to guard the residents of Michigan and the American individuals,” Runyan mentioned.
This is without doubt one of the first updates from federal legislation enforcement in weeks; whereas the Free Press had requested for particulars from the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives — generally known as ATF — representatives mentioned they may not present extra data, citing the U.S. federal authorities shutdown.
“Through the furlough, (U.S. Division of Justice) operations are directed towards nationwide safety, violations of federal legislation, and important public security features. With that being mentioned, the ATF investigation of the assault at an LDS church in Grand Blanc Township has not been affected in the course of the furlough,” Tracy Morris, a Detroit-based ATF spokesperson, mentioned in an electronic mail to the Free Press on Oct. 20.
“Sadly, the remainder of your questions should be answered as soon as the furlough is over and I’m again within the workplace.”
In her assertion, Runyan additionally highlighted assets for victims. She mentioned these in want ought to go to www.FBI.gov/GrandBlancChurchShooting.
Attain Dave Boucher at dboucher@freepress.com and on X @Dave_Boucher1.
This text initially appeared on Detroit Free Press: FBI: Grand Blanc Twp. church assault pushed by ‘anti-religious beliefs’
