Full interview: Burton City Council candidate recounts ‘surreal’ encounter with church attacker

Burton City Council candidate Kris Johns says he had a “surreal” encounter with the man accused of driving his truck into the Grand Blanc Township church and opening fire on congregants, just days before the deadly attack. The attack happened at around 10:30 a.m. on Sept. 28, 2025, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Investigators said the 40-year-old Burton man drove his truck into the church, fired his assault rifle, and set the building on fire. He was killed by officers in a shootout. Johns said he met Sanford while canvassing for his campaign.