Michigan Church Attack: Heroic Teen Saves Siblings Amidst Chaos!
In a tragic event that unfolded on September 28, 2025, a mass shooting at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc Township, Michigan, left four dead and eight injured. The assailant, 40-year-old Thomas Jacob Sanford, also known as Jake, was killed by authorities at the scene after ramming his vehicle into the church, opening fire, and allegedly setting the building ablaze.
A Community in Shock and Mourning
The attack has sent shockwaves through the community, with many struggling to comprehend the senseless violence. Sandra Winter, who rented a room to Sanford in 2010, expressed her disbelief, stating, "He was just a really nice guy. I wouldn’t have imagined he would do something like this… He never displayed any anger."
Kris Johns, a local city council candidate, revealed that Sanford had expressed anger towards Mormons in a conversation days before the attack, calling them the "anti-Christ."
Hospital Staff's Personal Connection to the Tragedy
The horror of the situation hit close to home for the medical team at Henry Ford Genesys Hospital. They discovered that two of their own medical residents were among the injured. "All these patients started rolling through the door, one after another, with wounds you just never see in Grand Blanc, Michigan," said Dr. Chris Ash, medical director of surgical services. The hospital treated a total of 10 victims, mobilizing additional staff to cope with the influx of patients.
A Teenager's Bravery in the Face of Danger
Amidst the panic and chaos, a 14-year-old boy named Jasper emerged as a hero. He led his mother and siblings to safety after hearing the crash and gunfire. According to his aunt, Amber Rosen, Jasper broke a glass window to free his younger brothers who were trapped, before guiding them to safety. While separated from his family, his sister, Josie, was led to safety by another family.
Jasper's quick thinking and courage have been widely praised. "Jasper just really took charge... as a 14-year-old boy, he was able to keep his wits about him, we don't know how, but he stayed calm and probably saved his brothers and his mom," Rosen said.
The FBI is currently leading the investigation into the attack, treating it as an act of targeted violence. The community continues to mourn the victims and support those affected by this devastating event.