Grand Blanc community breaks ground on new stake center one year after church attack

One year after a violent attack left four dead and eight injured at a Grand Blanc Township church, the community gathered to break ground on a new Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints stake center. The ceremony, held on Monday, marked a step forward in healing and rebuilding, as local leaders and residents came together to honor the victims and look toward the future.

The attack, which occurred on September 20, 2025, was carried out by 40-year-old Burton resident Thomas Sanford, who drove his pickup truck through the church’s front entrance during Sunday services. He opened fire with an assault rifle before setting the building ablaze. Federal investigators later classified the shooting as a targeted hate crime, citing Sanford’s anti-Mormon beliefs.

The destruction of the church, which served as a regional headquarters for several surrounding Latter-day Saints congregations, left the community in shock. The loss of life and property was a profound blow, but the response has been one of resilience and compassion. As the community reflects on the anniversary of the tragedy, local leaders emphasize that healing is an ongoing process.

Gwendolyn Smith-Richardson, director of the Grand Blanc Advocacy, Recovery and Connection Center, described the event as one that has never happened on this level for the community. “This is something that has never happened on this level for this community,” she said, highlighting the deep impact of the attack on individuals and the broader area.

The Grand Blanc ARCC was established to provide long-term support for those affected by the attack, offering mental health services, trauma counseling, and recovery resources for survivors, families, and the broader community. “As life goes on, we have to consider that people will continue to need services. They will continue to need support. They will continue to need help,” Smith-Richardson said, underscoring the importance of ongoing care.

The resiliency initiative, part of a partnership with Genesee Health System, officially opened earlier this month. Designed to help individuals navigate the emotional and psychological effects of trauma, the center serves as a vital resource for those still recovering from the attack. Smith-Richardson noted that anniversaries of traumatic events can be especially difficult for survivors and community members.

“Some feelings may reoccur in their minds, in their bodies about the incident that happened that day,” she said. “That’s why we move forward with these wellness services and continue to provide that support for the members of the church and the members of the community.”

Representatives from the ARCC attended the groundbreaking ceremony as a show of solidarity, reflecting the community’s commitment to support and healing. The new stake center represents not only a physical space for worship and fellowship but also a symbol of hope and resilience in the face of tragedy.

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