US Marine Veteran Opens Fire on Michigan LDS Church After Setting It Ablaze, Killing at Least 4
Share this @internewscast.com

A veteran of the US Marine Corps, who had American flags displayed on his pickup truck, crashed into a Michigan Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on a Sunday morning, igniting a fire and opening fire on hundreds of churchgoers.

In the aftermath, at least four church members lost their lives and eight sustained injuries. The attacker, 40-year-old Thomas Jacob Sanford, was fatally shot by police in the church’s parking area, reported the Detroit Free Press.

Blanc Township Police Chief William Renye detailed that one church member succumbed to gunshot wounds on site, while another passed away later on Sunday at Ford Genesys Hospital. By Sunday evening, Renye confirmed the discovery and identification of two more church members’ remains from the smoldering remains of the church building.

More bodies may be found in the rubble.

“We’re diligently searching for more bodies,” he stated. “Due to the church being a complete loss from the fire, we haven’t fully examined the site… I’m unsure of how many people remain unaccounted for at this moment.”

The FBI said it was leading the investigation into what acting special agent in charge Reuben Coleman called “an act of targeted violence.”

According to James Dier from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Sanford ignited the fire with gasoline and was in possession of explosive devices, as reported by The Associated Press. Dier mentioned it was uncertain if these explosives had been used.

ABC News revealed that Sanford served in the Marine Corps from June 2004 to June 2008, achieving the rank of sergeant and receiving commendations for his service, including a tour in Iraq. He was also a father to a son who, according to the network, “faced significant health challenges since birth.”

He was from the town of Burton, about six miles from Blanc Township, NBC News reported. Both towns are suburbs of Flint. Images posted by family online showed him wearing Trump regalia. Other images show he was a frequent hunter.

Unlike several previous shootings, federal authorities have not immediately suggested that Sanford’s political views played a part in his murderous rampage. Friends, however, indicated he may have suffered from PTSD.

 

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Judge Criticizes Trump Administration for ‘Secretive Removal’ of Deportees, Mandates Their Return or Fair Hearings for Due Process Violations

Left: Donald Trump speaks at the annual Road to Majority conference in…

UK Comedian Russell Brand Faces Fresh Legal Charges

The legal troubles for comedian Russell Brand have intensified as British authorities…

Police Report: Man Discharges Shotgun at Amazon Driver Who Accidentally Entered His Driveway with Teenage Son in Vehicle

Background: Sidney Pittman”s home in Ellerbe, N.C. (Google Maps). Inset: Sidney Pittman…

Landlord Arrested After Tenant’s Body Discovered in Barrel

An Oregon landlord faces murder charges following the discovery of his tenant’s…

Tragic Death of Malnourished 6-Year-Old: Allegations of Cruel Treatment in Dog Crate Emerge

Inset: Susan Robinson (Mecklenburg County Sheriff”s Office). Background: The North Carolina home…

Western Sydney Tragedy: Woman Charged in Fatal Stabbing Incident

A 19-year-old woman has been charged with the murder of a 19-year-old…

Mystery Deepens in Disappearance of 13-Year-Old Stefanie: Unraveling the Bizarre Inconsistencies

Nestled in the heart of the Maine wilderness, just shy of the…

Man Deceives Ex-Girlfriend Into Walking on Train Tracks, Fatally Shoots Her and Abandons Body Under Overpass

Insets, left to right: Jason Horner (Owatonna police) and Sabrina Schnoor (GoFundMe).…

Gainesville Resident Caught Red-Handed After Smashing Car Window for Cash Grab

Staff Report GAINESVILLE, Fla. – In a recent incident at a Dollar…

Judge Cannon’s Bold Move: Trump’s Strategic Win to Delay Jack Smith’s Report Release

Left: FILE – Special counsel Jack Smith speaks to the media about…

Ocala Resident Arrested for Allegedly Brandishing Firearm at Gainesville Store Clerk

By Staff Writer GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Renee Vivian Lunan, a 27-year-old resident…

Authorities Launch Investigation Following Teen Girl’s Fatal Fall at ‘Stranger Things’ Filming Site

A Georgia father is issuing a heartfelt warning about the perils of…