Leavitt links Michigan gunman to anti-Mormon sentiment

On September 29, 2025, a tragic shooting at a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Michigan left four people dead and eight others injured. Former President Donald Trump condemned the incident, describing it as an attack on Christians in the United States. In a post on Truth Social, he expressed outrage over the continuous violence affecting the nation and called for an immediate end to such acts. The White House press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, further indicated that the shooter, identified as Thomas Sanford, harbored animosity towards the Mormon faith.

The assailant, a 40-year-old Iraq War veteran, drove his pickup truck, adorned with a U.S. flag, into the church during a service and opened fire on the congregation. Afterward, he set the church ablaze while many were still inside. The FBI is investigating the motivations behind Sanford’s actions, with initial findings suggesting a deep-seated hatred towards members of the Mormon faith. Leavitt noted that the investigation is ongoing and authorities are exploring whether the act was premeditated.

Following the attack, emergency services worked to assess the situation, and investigators returned to the scene to search for additional victims among the charred remains of the church. Grand Blanc Township Police Chief William Renye expressed concerns that more victims might be found as they continued their search. This sentiment was reinforced by reports indicating that some attendees may have been trapped within the burning structure.

In terms of casualties, two of the deceased were shot, while the other two were found within the ashes of the church after the fire was extinguished. The gunman was killed during a confrontation with law enforcement officers who responded to the scene. This incident not only underscores the ongoing epidemic of gun violence in the U.S. but also raises troubling questions about targeted attacks against religious groups.

With the investigation still underway, the focus remains on uncovering details about Sanford’s life, including his potential ties to the LDS community. As the nation grapples with the implications of this violence, the tragedy has prompted renewed discussions about the need for stronger measures to protect places of worship and vulnerable communities from such acts of hatred.