The gunman who opened fire at a Mormon church in Grand Blanc, MI, this morning has been identified as 40-year-old Thomas Jacob Sanford. A U.S. Marine veteran who served in Iraq from 2004-2008, Sanford lived approximately 15 minutes away from the church in nearby Burton, MI, before carrying out the attack. He was killed in a shootout with police.
Sanford, who had a wife and son born with a rare disorder, allegedly planted explosive devices at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints during the assault. The incident resulted in at least two deaths and nine injuries, with Sanford ramming his Chevy Silverado truck into the building before opening fire on congregants and their families. Authorities discovered several improvised explosive devices on church property, which are under investigation.
The motive behind the attack remains unknown, as does whether Sanford had prior ties to the church. His social media posts reportedly included an Iraq sticker, and his mother’s Facebook page confirmed his military service. No information has been released about potential mental health issues or medications.
Authorities have not disclosed further details about the suspect’s actions or intentions.
