Death toll rises to 4 in Michigan LDS church attack; FBI leads targeted violence investigation

KIFI on September 28, 2025

News Team

UPDATE:

GRAND BLANC TOWNSHIP, Michigan (KIFI) — The death toll from the attack on a Michigan branch of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has risen to four, police confirmed Sunday evening.

During a press conference, Police Chief William Renye announced that investigators have discovered two additional bodies in the burned-out remains of the church building in Grand Blanc Township, bringing the confirmed number of fatalities (not including the shooter) to four.

Police are working to identify each victim “as quickly and accurately as possible.” Due to the extensive damage, the church building is considered a total loss, and the search for more victims is ongoing. Officials currently do not have a confirmed number of people unaccounted for but believe they may find additional victims as they continue to search the rubble.

The FBI has taken the lead in the investigation, treating the incident as an act of targeted violence.

“This act of violence has no place in our state or in our country,” said Reuben Coleman, the Acting Special Agent in Charge of FBI Detroit Field Office. “The FBI is committed to continue finding out the facts, circumstances and motives behind this tragedy.”

The deadly attack began when police say the gunman rammed a vehicle into the church, opened fire on the congregation, and then set the building ablaze during a Sunday service.

The 40-year-old gunman, identified as Thomas Jacob Sanford of Burton, Michigan, was killed by responding police officers.

Chief Renye took a moment to acknowledge the heroism of both first responders and the people inside the church at the time of the shooting.

“They were shielding the children who were also present within the church, moving them to safety,” Chief Renye said of the worshippers. “Just hundreds of people practicing their faith.”

For more details and updates on the investigation into the shooting, click HERE.

ORIGINAL:

GRAND BLANC TOWNSHIP, Michigan (KIFI) — Authorities are preparing to hold a critical media briefing at 5 p.m. ET this afternoon, where Grand Blanc Township Police Chief William Renye is expected to deliver the latest details on the deadly attack at a branch of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Local News 8 will be livestreaming the press conference above.

The attack, which occurred during a Sunday service, has so far resulted in the deaths of at least two people and left eight others wounded after a gunman rammed a vehicle into the church, opened fire, and set the building ablaze. The 40-year-old gunman was killed by responding police officers. Police believe they may find additional victims when it is safe to enter the building.

Officers exchanged fire with the gunman and killed him, according to police. He has been identified as a 40-year-old Michigan man. For more details and updates on the investigation into the shooting, click HERE.

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At least 2 killed, 8 injured in shooting at Michigan church; suspect dead, police say

KIFI on September 28, 2025

CNN Newsource

Originally Published: 28 SEP 25 15:33 ET

By Nick Lentz, Joseph Buczek

Click here for updates on this story

    GRAND BLAC, Michigan (WWJ) — At least two people are dead and eight others are in the hospital after a shooting during a worship service at a church in Grand Blanc Township, Michigan, on Sunday morning.

According to police, it happened around 10:25 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 4825 McCandlish Road.

Grand Blanc Township Police Chief William Renye said in a news conference on Sunday afternoon that the suspect, identified as a 40-year-old man, drove his vehicle through the front doors of the church, exited his vehicle and fired “several rounds” of an assault rifle at hundreds of churchgoers.

Ten people with gunshot wounds were taken to the hospital, where two victims have since died. Renye said “multiple” individuals who were injured are in critical condition, and expects there will be more victims.

Henry Ford Health confirmed that it is treating nine patients at Henry Ford Genesys Hospital.

“Our hospital is fully staffed with experienced caregivers, and we are grateful to our team members who continue to care for all our patients at Henry Ford Genesys Hospital. Counselors and spiritual care are available to provide confidential support and counseling services for our patients and team members,” said the health system in a statement.”

Police said the man, from Burton, Michigan, died after responding officers from Grand Blanc Township and the Michigan DNR “engaged in gunfire” with him.

According to investigators, the man deliberately started a fire at the church at some point, though it’s not yet known how the fire was started. Crews have since contained the blaze.

Police are expected to hold another news conference at 5 p.m. You can watch it at the video player above.

Officials have set up an on-site reunification site at a movie theatre on Trillium Circle Avenue. Anyone who needs to connect with someone who was at the church is asked to call the American Red Cross at 248-705-7352.

“This is a dynamic scene,” Genesee County Sheriff Christopher Swanson said in a video recorded at the scene. “The time where we are right now, there’s going to be more updates. Just know that there’s a lot of things that are happening that we are not able to communicate just because of the work that needs to be done.”

Swanson said there is no active threat to the community.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints said in a written statement that it’s been in communication with law enforcement and that it’s thankful for the emergency responders who are helping the victims and their families.

“We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of prayers and concern from so many people around the world,” the statement said. “In moments of sorrow and uncertainty, we find strength and comfort through our faith in Jesus Christ. Places of worship are meant to be sanctuaries of peacemaking, prayer and connection. We pray for peace and healing for all involved.”

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer posted a written statement on social media that said, “My heart is breaking for the Grand Blanc community. Violence anywhere, especially in a place of worship, is unacceptable. I am grateful to the first responders who took action quickly. We will continue to monitor this situation and hold the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc close.”

Federal Bureau of Investigation Director Kash Patel said on X that the agency is tracking reports of the shooting and that agents are at the scene to assist local authorities.

“Violence in a place of worship is a cowardly and criminal act. Our prayers are with the victims and their families during this terrible tragedy,” Patel said.

Grand Blanc Township police said at least 100 FBI agents are responding to the shooting.

U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi said she has received briefings about the incident.

“Such violence at a place of worship is heartbreaking and chilling. Please join me in praying for the victims of this terrible tragedy,” Bondi said.

President Trump said that he has been briefed on the shooting.

“I have been briefed on the horrendous shooting that took place at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, in Grand Blanc, Michigan. The FBI was immediately on scene, and will be leading the Federal Investigation, and providing full support to State and Local Officials. The suspect is dead, but there is still a lot to learn. This appears to be yet another targeted attack on Christians in the United States of America. The Trump Administration will keep the Public posted, as we always do. In the meantime, PRAY for the victims, and their families. THIS EPIDEMIC OF VIOLENCE IN OUR COUNTRY MUST END, IMMEDIATELY,” Mr. Trump said in a Truth Social post.

According to Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, her agency is in communication with “interagency partners.”

Noem added in a social media post on X that, “Sacred places of worship should never fear violence in America. I am praying for the victims of this heinous attack and their families.”

The New York Police Department said early Sunday afternoon that it was deploying “additional resources to religious institutions across the city,” in response to the shooting.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said Sunday that out of an abundance of caution, the Los Angeles Police Department will be increasing patrols at places of worship across the city.

The Grand Blanc Township Police Department said it will have counselors at its facility starting on Monday and through the rest of the week.

Please note: This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

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Motorcyclist dies after crash in Atascadero

KEYT on September 28, 2025

Caleb Nguyen

ATASCADERO, Calif. (KEYT) – A motorcyclist died in a car crash Saturday just before 7:30 p.m. near the 8300 block of El Camino Real in Atascadero, according to the Atascadero Police Department.

The motorcyclist suffered fatal injuries from the crash. Four other people from the car involved in the crash received medical treatment from Twin Cities Hospital for non-life-threatening injuries, according to the APD.

The roadway was closed for some time for further investigation into the crash, according to the APD.

Witnesses to the crash or those with information on the incident are encouraged to contact the APD.

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Stephens College student pronounced dead after downtown Columbia shooting

KMIZ on September 28, 2025

Matthew Sanders

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A Stephens College student who was critically wounded in a shooting early Saturday in downtown Columbia has died, the college said Sunday.

Aiyanna Williams was shot while downtown with friends, a college spokesperson wrote. Williams was declared brain dead after being rushed to University Hospital.

“While Aiyanna’s body is being maintained on artificial support, this is solely to allow time for organ donation in accordance with her wishes,” the release states. “We honor Aiyanna’s life and the generosity of this final act of giving as we grieve this profound loss.”

Stephens will hosted a gathering of family and friends at 5:30 p.m. Sunday in the college’s Firestone Baars Chapel. Some community leaders in attendance included Stephens College President Dr. Shannon Lundeen, MU President Mun Choi, Mayor Barbara Buffaloe, and Columbia Police Depart Chief Jill Schlude.

“She’s not only part of our Stephens College community, but she is born and raised in Columbia and so we had leaders come out not just because this was a college student who was a victim of senseless violence, but it was one of our own. She is a daughter of Columbia,” Dr. Lundeen said.

Media was not allowed inside the service, but Reverend Gray said he, along with Williams’ mother, former teammates, volleyball coach and others all took the podium to share heartfelt memories of Williams.

Williams friends said she lived her life with purpose and compassion.

“She wanted to help people, she wanted to spread the gospel, make sure everyone knew about Jesus and she wanted to pour into people,” said Amari Branch-Autman, a close friend of Williams.

“We grieve deeply with her family, friends, teammates, and classmates,”Lundeen said in the news release. “This tragedy is not only a profound personal loss for our community but also a sobering reminder of the senseless gun violence that plagues our country. We must honor Aiyanna’s legacy by holding one another close and continuing the fight for a safer, more compassionate world.”

Williams was a nursing student who had played volleyball at Stephens. She was a graduate of Battle High School who was attending the college on full scholarship, the release states.

“She was a full-ride scholarship, full cost of attendance. So she was not paying anything, she wasn’t even paying fees and that’s also a testament not only to her grit, but to her confidence and her capability,” Dr. Lundeen said.

The memorial service brought together students, faculty, and loved ones who shared stories and memories celebrating Williams’ life while mourning a loss felt deeply across the community.

“I believe she would have wanted it this way. It was celebratory. We shared so many good moments and so many good memories,” Erica Dickson, Columbia Public School Board Member said.

The attendees said that moving on from this incident they hope for healing.

“It’s hard to say what I ant to see in the immediate moments,” Dickson said. “I would want to see us cherish the moments that we have together and just love on each other again. We don’t know how many of those moments we have,”

Stephens College President said Williams’ family is planning a funeral service for October 11, though details are still being finalized.

Sources also tell ABC 17 News that Williams’closest friends and family held a private honor walk before Sunday’s memorial. Her body will be transported to Kansas City, where she be an organ donor.

The Columbia Police Department said 23-year-old Misael Covarrubias, of Fellsmere, Florida, was involved in an argument near Ninth and Broadway early Saturday when he pulled out a gun and fired multiple times. He was arrested and appeared on the Boone County Jail roster Saturday evening without bond.

The people he was arguing with were not hit. Instead, three bystanders, a man and two women, were caught in the gunfire. Williams was one of them.

Covarrubias was arrested on charges of three counts of first-degree assault, three counts of armed criminal action and unlawful use of a weapon.

The shooting happened on the University of Missouri’s homecoming weekend. UM System President Mun Choi wrote a letter to Columbia Mayor Barbara Buffaloe on Saturday, urging action to curb crime. Buffaloe highlighted the city’s current efforts and plans to increase safety in the future.

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Father-focused nonprofit to celebrate decade of service in Missouri

News-Press NOW on September 28, 2025

Cameron Montemayor

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — A leading nonprofit in the Show-Me state is celebrating 10 years of responsible fatherhood efforts this October.

The city of Springfield, Missouri, is set to host a large fundraising dinner and celebration Oct. 16 for Good Dads, Inc, a growing nonprofit organization that aims to assist kids and communities by facilitating responsible fatherhood programs, healthy relationships classes, community development efforts and events.

The theme for this year’s event is Gather ‘Round the Campfire: Fanning the Flames of Fatherhood. Leveraging the cozy nostalgia of roasting marshmallows with Dad during a fall camping trip, Attendees will discover how Good Dads is spreading like wildfire by sharing impactful stories about lives changed.

“We chose the campfire theme because it is a very apt representation of what we’ve experienced as champions of responsible fatherhood,” said Jennifer L. Baker, PsyD, a clinical psychologist and the Founder and Director of Good Dads. “When we started 10 years ago, we only served a small portion of Springfield, but now we have Good Dads chapters now in nearly 20 Missouri communities. Just like a spark that catches and grows into a wildfire, Good Dads is experiencing incredible momentum.”

The event is scheduled to take place at the Oasis Hotel & Convention Center Ballroom with cocktails and games beginning at 5:30 p.m., followed by the full program at 6:30 p.m. Funds raised will go directly back to the mission, allowing Good Dads to continue expanding into more communities, serving more fathers and strengthening more families.

“This year at the dinner, I’m most excited to celebrate our Great Community of the Year contest winners,” Baker said. “Because we believe that fatherhood engagement is, first and foremost, a community-based effort, we knew it was important to recognize the communities in the Show-Me state who banded together, often overcoming many challenges, to bring these programs to their residents.”

The contest encouraged leaders in Good Dads chapters to demonstrate their achievements in Good Dads’ four Great Community pillars: strong schools, robust economies, flourishing relationships and safe neighborhoods.

Three winners: Good Dads chapters in Ava, Rolla and Texas County, were announced this spring.

“What’s remarkable about the work we do is that anyone can get on board with it,” Baker said. “Any community, regardless of its size, can make great strides to better serve the fathers and father-figures who live there. That’s why it’s so important to me that we show the community accomplishments happening throughout Missouri for dads.”

Good Dads serves nearly two dozen communities and 17 chapters throughout the state. The nonprofit hopes to expand its footprint beyond Missouri soon.

The registration-only event is expected to see more than 300 guests. Attendees can look forward to music, food and games all while making a difference for the nonprofit.

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University of Missouri president issues ultimatum to Columbia mayor after homecoming weekend shooting

KMIZ on September 28, 2025

Marie Moyer

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

University of Missouri President Mun Choi, in an email obtained by ABC 17 News, called on Columbia Mayor Barbara Buffaloe to address violent crime, warning that if action isn’t taken, he will elevate the issue to Gov. Mike Kehoe.

Buffaloe, in response, listed actions the city government and Columbia Police Department have taken and plan to take.

Choi’s email — sent Saturday afternoon, just hours after a downtown shooting that left a bystander dead — was addressed to public officials, including Buffaloe, Columbia’s City Manager De’Carlon Seewood and Boone County Prosecuting Attorney Roger Johnson.

Choi claimed that crime in downtown Columbia has reached a crisis point and poses a risk for MU students, who are frequently downtown. Choi also identified one of the people injured in the Saturday morning shooting as a Stephens College student. Stephens College didn’t immediately respond to inquiries Sunday morning.

“Many community members and business leaders have shared these concerns with you. There’s been too much complacency and it’s time for you to act,” Choi wrote in the email.

Columbia police responded to the shooting just before 2 a.m. Saturday in the 900 block of East Broadway.

CPD said 23-year-old Misael Covarrubias of Fellsmere, Florida, was involved in an argument near Ninth and Broadway when he pulled out a gun and fired multiple times. He was arrested and appeared on the Boone County Jail roster Saturday evening without bond.

He is charged with three counts of assault, three counts of armed criminal action and unlawful use of a weapon, CPD said in a press release Sunday afternoon.

The release said Covarrubias’ charges won’t change unless any of the victims’ life statuses changes.

The people he was arguing with were not hit. Instead, three bystanders, a man and two women, were caught in the gunfire. One of them, Aiyanna Williams, was later pronounced brain dead.

CPD said Williams remains on artificial life support as of Sunday afternoon.

Choi’s email praised the Columbia Police Department; however, Choi also asked for an “honest examination” of current policies. The email adds that University of Missouri Police Chief Brian Weimer will offer all available staff to patrol downtown.

Choi listed immediate actions that should be taken during “this period of emergency:”    •    More policing in downtown – give CPD the necessary resources and support.    •    Hiring of more security officers.    •    Elimination of policies and practices that attract criminals to the region.    •    Passing of a loitering ordinance.    •    Cleanup of encampments.    •    Prosecution to the full extent of the law for crimes.

The email was also sent to several other Columbia and Boone County officials, including Columbia Police Chief Jill Schlude and Boone County Commissioner Kip Kendrick. Choi emphasized that addressing the issue would take a collective effort from city and county agencies, the university and local businesses, asking for the creation of a task force to improve public safety.

“We cannot wait to have another tragic outcome due to complacency, delays and indecision,” Choi said.

The email includes an ultimatum, stating that if no action is taken by 5 p.m. Sunday, Choi will turn to Kehoe’s office for support.

Buffaloe responded to Choi on Saturday, thanking him for the message and saying downtown safety is an issue she takes seriously. ABC 17 News obtained her response Sunday.

Buffaloe also praised the city’s efforts in public safety, adding that there have not been any shooting incidents downtown since June 8. She wrote that CPD added eight officers to night patrols, a 20% increase in staffing since last summer.

The response also mentioned the city’s plans to focus on daytime issues, including the public’s interactions with homeless people.

Buffaloe announced on Facebook the creation of a task force Saturday, requesting that Schlude be contacted for coordinating resources.

The last crime task force in the city was created over 10 years ago in 2013. The people on the task force researched for over a year before presenting their findings in 2014.

There were four main things the task force found that would lower crime rates in the city.

Make people aware of resources

Create safe spaces for youth

Create trust between law enforcement and the community

Hold high risk offenders accountable

She also called on local legislators to address systemic issues that relate to public safety.

“I would like to engage our state legislators in a conversation about gun control, since many of these incidents involve firearms — including individuals illegally in possession of them. This is an area where state-level action could provide crucial support to our local efforts,” Buffaloe said in an email.

“Keeping Columbia safe requires collaboration, transparency, and a shared commitment to action. I look forward to working together with our partners to ensure our community remains a safe and welcoming place for residents, students, and visitors alike,” Buffaloe’s post read.

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Inaugural “E.A.S.T” Festival launches at Palm Springs Surf Club

KESQ on September 28, 2025

Shay Lawson

Palm Springs, Calif. (KESQ)  – Surf and skate culture is colliding in the desert on Sunday at the inaugural E.A.S.T Festival, hosted at the Palm Springs Surf Club.

The event is backed by Kona Big Wave beer and organized in partnership with STAB, a leading agency in surf culture.

Organizers said the festival is designed to bring together boardsports, music and art in a first-of-its-kind experience for fans.

Attendees will be able to participate by riding exclusive surfboards shaped by some of the best surfboard designers in the world alongside professional surfers, including Mikey February, Harry Bryant, Nathan Fletcher and Mason Ho.

The festival will also showcase never-before-seen board designs and give fans the chance to meet legendary surfboard shapers and top skateboarders such as Curren Caples and Rowan Zorilla.

The event will feature live music, art installations and an early preview of a 2025 content series starring pro surfer Mikey February.

Organizers say the festival is meant to celebrate creativity and community while giving fans a hands-on experience that goes beyond watching from the sidelines.

Stay with News Channel 3 for continuing coverage.

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Multiple victims in Michigan church shooting; church on fire, police say

KIFI on September 28, 2025

CNN Newsource

By Alaa Elassar, CNN

(CNN) — We’ve moved to Live Updates for coverage of this developing story. Follow the latest here.

Multiple victims have been injured in a shooting at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc, Michigan, on Sunday, according to police.

The shooter is down and there is no ongoing threat to the public, according to the Grand Blanc Township Police Department. The church is currently on fire.

Police are urging the public to avoid the area as emergency response efforts continue.

Grand Blanc is a suburb of Flint, Michigan.

This is a developing story and will be updated.

The-CNN-Wire™ & © 2025 Cable News Network, Inc., a Warner Bros. Discovery Company. All rights reserved.

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Women artists take center stage in Albrecht-Kemper’s ‘4 Seasons,’ exhibition

News-Press NOW on September 28, 2025

Rebecca Evans

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — A new exhibition at the Albrecht-Kemper Museum of Art is putting women artists and their signatures at the center of the story.

“4 Seasons,” now on display through Nov. 2, features the work of Midwest artists Linda Kinder, Darla Zook, Cathie Thompson and Cathy Kline. Their pieces reflect the cycles of nature while also underscoring the resilience and creativity of women in the arts.

“Most of these female artists, this is their sweet spot; they really love capturing moments of everyday life,” said Madison McKinley, Marketing and Communications Manager at the museum. “They are capturing moments in the Midwest, and sometimes it’s overlooked if you see it every day. We live in a beautiful part of the country, and these paintings show that.” 

For generations, women were often barred from formal training, denied gallery space, or forced to publish their work anonymously or under male pseudonyms. The exhibition is a reminder of the enduring strength of women in art, showcasing how much progress has been made and why it matters.

Each artist brings a distinct perspective to the theme, from symbolic interpretations of renewal to explorations of time and memory. Together, their work offers both beauty and a powerful statement on women claiming visibility in the art world.

The Albrecht-Kemper Museum of Art, located in the historic William-Albrecht home, houses one of the region’s leading collections of American art.

General admission is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and $7 for students. Museum members and children under 6 are admitted at no cost. For more information, visit Albrecht-Kemper.org or call 816-233-7003.

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Local ministry takes unique approach to outreach

News-Press NOW on September 28, 2025

Charles Christian

ST. JOSEPH, MO. (News-Press NOW) — A local ministry in St. Joseph is literally taking their message to the streets.

Lorey Quaife, along with her husband and son, regularly set up microphones and an amplifier on street corners in and around St. Joseph and sing Christian worship songs.

Quaife said they do this because after years of working together in a non-profit ministry, especially to homeless people, they wanted to find an approachable, non-threatening way to connect to the community.

“I grew up here in St. Joseph, and often the homeless population is seen but not heard,” Quaife said. “By singing and being available for all people to sing with us or simply approach us and talk with us, we feel like we’re doing what the Lord wants us to do: reach people with compassion.”

For the past twelve years, the ministry called “Before You, Lord, International” has come alongside non-profit organizations that assist homeless people and others in need.

Though their approach of worshiping on street corners has gained a negative reputation from some, this family hopes those who encounter them and follow them on social media see a message of welcome that still holds to what they call Bible-based Christianity.

“We are out here to get the word of the Lord out,” Quaife said. “Hopefully, in the future, if God blesses us with a location, we would love to be able to do that, as well.”

Until then, Quaife and her husband said they will continue to minister in the ways that are open to them, including online words of encouragement on their Facebook page, volunteering with local ministries that help others and singing consistently on street corners, especially in the Downtown area.

So far, they say, the response has been positive.

“We started this approach in Minnesota for several years,” Quaife said. “Returning to St. Joseph, the place where I was raised, has allowed us to see more connections, including people stopping to sing with us on their breaks or on the way to work and people asking us for prayer.”

To learn more about the ministry and its goals, the family said simply approaching them when they are singing Downtown is a sure way to connect.

The family can also be followed on their Facebook Page: Before You Lord, International Ministries.

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