Thomas Jacob Sanford Arrested; – On Monday, authorities were engaged in efforts to ascertain the reasons behind an ex-Marine’s decision to drive his pickup truck into a Michigan church during a Sunday service, where he opened fire and subsequently set the building on fire, resulting in the deaths of at least four individuals before he was killed in a confrontation with law enforcement.
According to officials, hundreds of worshippers were present inside the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc, Michigan, when the suspect forcefully drove his pickup truck into the front entrance on Sunday morning. Two victims were shot dead, and two additional bodies were found hours later amidst the debris of the church, which officials confirmed had been intentionally ignited.
Late on Sunday, officials cautioned that several individuals were still unaccounted for, and that further bodies might be discovered as investigators combed through the charred remains of the structure. At least eight individuals sustained injuries.
The suspect has been identified as Thomas Jacob Sanford, a 40-year-old resident of the nearby town of Burton. U.S. military records indicate that Sanford was a veteran of the Iraq War, having served in the Marine Corps from 2004 to 2008.
Authorities have not provided a potential motive, stating that they would investigate the suspect’s residence and mobile phone. Grand Blanc Township, a suburb of Flint with an approximate population of 40,000, is located about 60 miles (100 km) northwest of Detroit.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt informed Fox News’ “Fox and Friends” program that she had a conversation with FBI Director Kash Patel on Monday regarding the incident.
“Currently, all they know is that this was an individual who harbored animosity towards individuals of the Mormon faith, and they are attempting to gain a deeper understanding of the situation, including how premeditated it was, the extent of planning involved, and whether he left behind a note,” she stated, referring to the church by its commonly used name. “All of these inquiries remain unanswered.”
Leavitt mentioned that the shooter’s family is cooperating with the FBI.
“My heart is breaking for the Grand Blanc community,” Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer expressed in a statement.
President Donald Trump remarked on social media that the shooting “seems to be yet another targeted attack on Christians.”
