One week before a deadly assault on a Michigan Mormon church, Thomas Jacob Sanford reportedly confessed to a city council candidate about his extreme hatred for the religion, shedding light on potential motives. Sanford, a 40-year-old Iraq war veteran, crashed his truck into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc, opened fire on worshippers, and set the building ablaze, killing four and injuring eight before being fatally shot by police.
City council candidate Kris Johns recounted a conversation with Sanford days prior, during which the suspect described Mormons as “the antichrist.” The two met while Johns was campaigning door-to-door in Grand Blanc on September 22. Initially, Sanford appeared friendly, discussing his military service and struggles with drug addiction. However, the discussion shifted when Johns mentioned religion. Sanford allegedly launched into a tirade, echoing anti-Mormon rhetoric commonly found online.
Sanford revealed he had previously dated a woman from a Mormon family and moved to Utah after leaving the military. Johns noted that Sanford’s remarks were not political but deeply personal, focusing on his grievances with Mormon beliefs. The conversation included questions about the LDS Church’s history, its founder Joseph Smith Jr., and the role of Jesus in the religion. Sanford ultimately declared Mormons “the antichrist.”
Sanford, who was married and owned a home in Burton, Michigan, had reportedly battled PTSD since his 2004–2008 Marine Corps service. His mother, Brenda Walters-Sanford, posted a cryptic Facebook message two days before the attack criticizing those who avoid accountability, which some speculate may have influenced her son. Forensic psychiatrist Carole Lieberman suggested the post could have triggered Sanford’s violent outburst, citing his vulnerability due to PTSD and a troubled upbringing.
The FBI is investigating the attack, with White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirming that Sanford’s motive was rooted in anti-Mormon sentiment. The tragedy has left the community reeling as details of Sanford’s final days emerge.
