GRAND BLANC TOWNSHIP, Mich. — A tragic shooting at a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints meetinghouse in Michigan has left the community in deep mourning. One of the victims, John Bond, a Navy veteran, was remembered fondly as a grandfather who cherished spending time with his family.
Bond was among four individuals who lost their lives in this horrific incident when Thomas Jacob Sanford, a Marine veteran, crashed his pickup truck into the church and started shooting. Friends of Bond are now organizing fundraising efforts to support his family during this difficult time.
While authorities have yet to release all the names of the deceased, they confirmed eight others, aged 6 to 78, were wounded, including a father and his young son. The chaos unfolded on a Sunday morning, during which the church sustained severe damage, ultimately being reduced to rubble after a fire was set.
Sanford, who grew up in a nearby town, died in a firefight exchanged with police as they responded to the scene. Investigators are still looking into his motivations and any connections he might have had with the church.
Members of the community, profoundly shaken by the violence, have come together to support one another through this challenging time. Jeffrey Schaub, the church bishop, shared that the attack has left his congregation reeling and acknowledged the overwhelming support from other faith communities, conveying hope and solidarity.
The aftermath of the attack has sparked conversations about safety, community, and the pressing need for healing. As investigations continue, the community is focused on gaining strength and comfort from their shared bonds and support.
