Thomas Jacob Sanford, 40, a resident of Burton, Michigan, a supporter of Donald Trump, a Christian and Iraq veteran, has been identified by authorities as the gunman in the deadly attack on the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc Township.
The horrific assault began around 10:25 a.m., when Sanford drove his pickup truck, which was heavily decorated with American flags, through a wall of the church while hundreds of people were inside for Sunday services. Police Chief William Renye confirmed that the gunman then exited the vehicle and opened fire on the congregation with an assault rifle before deliberately setting the building on fire using an accelerant, believed to be gasoline.
The Current Toll And Ongoing Investigation
The police confirmed that at least four people were killed and eight others were injured in the attack. Two of the bodies were found after the fire was extinguished, with officials warning that more victims are expected to be located as the search of the building’s wreckage continues. One of the eight injured people remains in critical condition.
Authorities praised the heroic actions of church members, who were seen shielding children and moving them to safety amidst the chaos.
Officers responded to the 911 call around 10:26 a.m. and arrived within moments. Sanford was killed by police in the church’s parking lot following a shootout with responding officers.
He is believed to have acted alone. Investigators from the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) are leading the investigation, which the FBI has described as an “act of targeted violence.” The exact reason for the heinous crime remains unknown.
The police chief also disclosed that three improvised explosive devices (IEDs) were found inside Sanford’s pickup truck, but it is not known if he used them. Furthermore, while multiple bomb threats were made to the church, no bombs have been found at other locations.
Sanford’s Background And The Search For A Motive
Public records and social media accounts indicate that Thomas Jacob Sanford was married and had at least one young son. Sanford is a decorated former Marine who served from 2004 to 2008, including a deployment to Iraq. He also worked as an automotive mechanic and vehicle recovery operator.
The search for a motive is a central focus of the ongoing investigation. Authorities are executing search warrants on Sanford’s residence and examining his cell phone records as they work to determine what prompted the deadly rampage.
National Condemnation Of The Violence
The horrific events drew condemnation from national and state leaders. President Donald Trump responded to the shooting by stating that “This Epidemic Of Violence In Our Country Must End, Immediately!” He added that the attack “appears to be yet another targeted attack on Christians in the United States of America.”
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer also condemned the violence, sharing that her “heart is breaking for the Grand Blanc community” and adding, “Violence anywhere, especially in a place of worship, is unacceptable.”.
Thomas Jacob Sanford’s PTSD Diagnosis And Extreme Politics Undermine Donald Trump’s Claims
New information is being released about the faith, politics, and mental state of gunman Thomas Jacob Sanford, contradicting earlier claims.
A family friend spoke to journalist Ty Steele about Sanford and explained that he had been battling Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
The person claimed: “It’s hard to feel sad for someone who did something so terrible, and I still feel sad. I had heard through family events that he had had PTSD. He would make comments occasionally, and it was something that was kind of talked about. It wasn’t talked about in depth… so I don’t know the depth of his issues.”
According to numerous posts on social media, Thomas Jacob Sanford, his wife, and his parents were Christians and huge supporters of Donald Trump and his policies.
In a Facebook photo, Sanford is seen wearing a pro-Trump shirt with the message, “Make Liberals Cry Again.”
Sanford’s mother, a strong supporter of Charlie Kirk, revealed her devastation after the assassination, writing: “The movement of fierce and loving Christians is only emboldened because of the intent and murder of one of our own.” She also shared her thoughts on James Comey, saying he should “rot in hell” after Trump revealed he had been indicted. Sanford’s wife penned this message in 2021: “Bring back Trump. Who voted for this?”
According to The Daily Mail, the couple had Trump signs outside their home.
