Local Officers Cleared: Inside the Split-Second Decision That Ended the Grand Blanc Church Attack

I can’t believe it’s been more than four months since we heard the news of the deadly church attack in Mid-Michigan. On September 28, 2025, what should have been a quiet Sunday morning in Grand Blanc Township turned into one of the darkest days this community has ever seen. A church service interrupted by gunfire, chaos, and fire. Lives lost and families forever changed.

What Prosecutors Reviewed Before Declining Charges

This week, Genesee County Prosecutor David Leyton announced that the two police officers who shot and killed Thomas Sanford during that attack will not be facing any criminal charges for their actions.

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After reviewing video, audio, eyewitness accounts, and surveillance footage, the prosecutor concluded the officers were legally justified, acting in lawful self-defense and in defense of others.

Timeline of the Grand Blanc Church Attack

Investigators say Sanford began the day by filling a five-gallon gas can and calling in bomb threats from his cell phone. He then drove to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on McCandlish Road, crashed his vehicle into the building, and opened fire. MLive reports that he was heavily armed, carrying an AK-47-style rifle, an SKS rifle, and a 12-gauge shotgun.

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Four people were killed and eight others were injured. The victims ranged in age from six to 78 years old. At one point, a member of the congregation fired back with a revolver in an attempt to stop the attack and was shot three times.

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Two police officers responded independently to the scene. One officer encountered Sanford in the parking lot. He was dressed in green, holding a rifle and a gas can. The officer ordered Sanford to stop, drop the weapon, and get on the ground. But Sanford didn’t comply.

The Split-Second Decision That Ended the Threat

Instead, according to the prosecutor’s report, he walked toward the officers with his rifle raised, yelling, “shoot me.” Fearing he was about to fire again, both officers opened fire, ending the threat.

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While the shooting itself was not fully captured on body camera, investigators say it was corroborated by audio, eyewitness testimony, and nearby surveillance video. In the end, prosecutors say this was a case of officers running toward danger, making an impossible split-second decision. Their actions stopped a mass killer and prevented even more loss of life. It’s a strong reminder of the bravery and heroism shown that day, even in the face of unimaginable horror.