A deadly assault on a Michigan church has left at least four people dead and eight injured, with authorities warning the death toll could climb significantly higher as they continue searching through burned remains of the building.
Thomas Jacob Sanford, 40, was identified as the suspect in Sunday’s attack on the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc, Michigan.
The Iraq War veteran was shot and killed by police in the church parking lot after a rampage that included ramming his vehicle through the front entrance, opening fire on worshippers and setting the building ablaze.
Authorities are still combing through the charred wreckage searching for bodies.
Officials admitted an unknown number of churchgoers remain unaccounted for, with CNN reporting that figure could reach as high as seven people.
The father of one served in the Marine Corps from June 2004 to June 2008, working as an automotive mechanic and vehicle recovery operator.
He deployed to Iraq from August 2007 to March 2008 as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom, achieving the rank of sergeant.
During his military service, Sanford received multiple honors including the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, the Iraq Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and the National Defense Service Medal.
A family friend told journalist Ty Steele that Sanford had been struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder.
The friend stated: “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.”
The friend continued: “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.”
The Daily Mail highlighted that social media accounts belonging to Sanford’s wife and family members revealed they were a conservative Christian household dealing with their son’s diagnosis of Congenital Hyperinsulinism.
One photograph showed Sanford wearing a pro-Trump shirt reading “Make Liberals Cry Again” alongside his wife and son.
The $15.95 shirt featured a cartoon-style image of Trump with his fist raised and the message “Re-elect Trump 2020.”
Google Maps imagery showed the couple had displayed a Trump sign outside their home.
Sanford’s mother posted frequently about conservative causes on social media.
The Daily Mail added that just hours before her son’s name became public, she shared a lengthy post expressing hope that Trump would implement stricter rules for Congress members, writing: “Life isn’t a FREE RIDE!! No matter what JOB you have!!”
The suspect used what authorities described as “an accelerant of some sort,” believed to be gasoline, before igniting the church.
Officials confirmed they located explosive devices but would not verify whether these were used to start the fire.
Three improvised devices were discovered as of Sunday afternoon, according to two senior U.S. law enforcement officials speaking to NBC News.
One official stated: “I will confirm that there were some suspected explosive devices that were located. But as far as using them to initiate the blaze, we can’t say that.”
Reuben Coleman, the acting special agent in charge of the FBI Detroit field office, announced the agency is leading the investigation and considers the incident “an act of targeted violence.” Police have not revealed a suspected motive for the attack.
Grand Blanc Township Police Chief William Renye praised extraordinary acts of heroism by congregants who risked their lives during the assault.
“They were shielding the children who are also present within the church, moving them to safety,” Renye said.
The chief confirmed Sanford rammed his vehicle through the front door before opening fire with an assault rifle.
The pickup truck he used to breach the building had two American flags attached to it.
Police received the emergency call at 10:25 a.m. and arrived just 32 seconds later.
Officers shot and killed the suspect at 10:33 a.m., eight minutes after the initial call, in the church parking lot.
President Trump addressed the attack on Truth Social, writing: “I have been briefed on the horrendous shooting that took place at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, in Grand Blanc, Michigan. The FBI was immediately on scene, and will be leading the Federal Investigation, and providing full support to State and Local Officials.”
He continued: “The suspect is dead, but there is still a lot to learn. This appears to be yet another targeted attack on Christians in the United States of America.”
Trump concluded his statement by calling for prayer for victims and their families, adding: “THIS EPIDEMIC OF VIOLENCE IN OUR COUNTRY MUST END, IMMEDIATELY!”
