White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt disclosed new information Monday about the gunman who drove his truck into a Michigan Mormon church over the weekend, revealing that federal investigators have made their first determinations regarding his motive.
Thomas Sanford, identified as a former Marine, died following the violent incident at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc, Michigan.
Resist the Mainstream reported earlier this week that the attack ended after Sanford engaged in a gun battle with responding police officers, who ultimately shot and killed him.
During an appearance on Fox News Monday, Leavitt shared details from her conversation with FBI Director Kash Patel.
She stated that the Bureau has determined that Sanford privately held hatred toward members of the Mormon faith.
Leavitt provided specifics about what federal authorities currently know about the case.
She explained that investigators understand Sanford harbored animosity against people of the Mormon faith, but many questions remain unanswered.
The White House press secretary outlined the ongoing investigation’s focus areas.
Authorities are working to determine how much premeditation went into the attack, the extent of planning involved and whether Sanford left behind any written explanation for his actions.
Federal agents are currently conducting a search warrant execution at Sanford’s residence.
This search, according to Leavitt, aims to uncover why the former Marine would carry out such an attack.
The Trump administration official noted that Sanford’s family members are providing cooperation to FBI investigators.
A press conference was scheduled for 12:30 p.m. Monday, where law enforcement planned to release additional information about the terrorist attack.
The attack occurred during church services at the LDS facility in Grand Blanc.
Members of the congregation described scenes of terror as they scattered and hid from the gunfire.
Kristin Juarez, 54, became separated from her husband when gunshots rang out through the church building.
The chaos caused attendees to flee in multiple directions as they sought safety.
Juarez found herself trapped in a bathroom, where she prepared for the possibility of death, per Trending Politics reporting.
“I thought, ‘If I have to die, it’s OK,’” Juarez said. “I feel good about where I am. And then I heard my husband’s voice, and he was calling for me.”
Another churchgoer, Brian Taylor, described the initial moments of confusion when Sanford’s truck crashed into the building.
Taylor and his wife initially moved to help what they assumed was an accident victim.
“We started rushing out to go help … and somebody yelled it was on purpose, I tried to get people out of the area and disperse away,” he said.
The realization that the crash was intentional sent Taylor into action to evacuate others from danger.
The FBI has taken over as the lead investigating agency in the case.
Reuben Coleman, acting special agent in charge of the FBI Detroit Field Office, confirmed the Bureau’s involvement and classification of the incident.
Coleman provided a statement to Fox News on Sunday characterizing the nature of the attack.
“I can confirm at this time that the FBI is now leading the investigation and is investigating this as an act of targeted violence,” he said.
The investigation continues as federal authorities work to build a complete picture of what led to the deadly attack on the Michigan congregation.
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