Michigan church shooter's romance history emerges as suspect's father apologizes to victims' families
Share this @internewscast.com

Members associated with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have contributed over $140,000 to support the family of Thomas Jacob Sanford, the perpetrator of a recent tragedy at a Michigan church.

By Wednesday morning, the fundraising effort on GiveSendGo had accumulated nearly $150,000. The incident occurred on Sunday when Sanford targeted The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc Township, subsequently setting the building on fire.

David Butler, who organized the fundraiser, wrote, “Among those who suffered devastating loss was the family of Thomas Jacob Sanford, the assailant. Sanford leaves a grieving wife and children behind.”

Butler described himself as a “regular member” of the church, with no personal connections to either Sanford or the Grand Blanc Township. Many who donated recently have identified themselves as LDS church members from states like Missouri, Hawaii, and Utah.

Man prays at vigil for Michigan church shooting victims

Dan Beazley, of Northville, Michigan, participates in prayer during a vigil at the Henry Ford Genesys Regional Hospital following the tragic shooting on Sunday morning at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc Township, Michigan, on Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2025. (AP/Ryan Sun)

One time that Sanford spouted off about his grievances against the church was at a wedding thirteen years ago, one of the friends said. 

“We were taken aback,” commented Bobby Kalush, who grew up near Sanford, in an interview with the AP. “When he returned from Utah, he seemed entirely transformed.”

Around bonfires with friends, it wasn’t unusual for Sanford to start talking about how Mormons were going to take over, added Frances Tersigni. 

“It was just so random. It was like, ‘Why Mormons dude?’” Tersigni said. “It’s hard to explain. We didn’t take it serious.” 

Burned-out remains of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints chapel in Michigan following attack

Little remained of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints chapel the day after a Marine veteran opened fire and set the building ablaze in Grand Blanc Township, Michigan. (AP/Mark Vancleave)

“He never once, never, said ‘I’ve got to do something,’” Tersigni added. “There’s a Jake we all knew, and there was one who was hidden. It wasn’t apparent to us.” 

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Through the roof: How much does it cost to live in Glynn County?

Skyrocketing Prices: What Are the Living Expenses in Glynn County?

The median home price in some areas has doubled in the last…
Suspected blue city gunmen kill innocent girl in revenge shooting at home: sheriff

Sheriff reports: Alleged gunmen from blue city fatally shoot innocent girl in retaliation at residence

A second man is in custody stemming from a San Antonio mass…
Charlie Kirk’s Mission Lives On: Why We Must Carry the Torch

Continuing Charlie Kirk’s Legacy: The Importance of Upholding His Vision

By Cliff Maloney My friend, mentor, and American visionary, Charlie Kirk, was…
Federal government could resume taking DACA applications for permits to live and work in U.S.

U.S. Government May Start Accepting New DACA Applications for Work and Residency Permits

The federal government is expected to start accepting new applications for a…
Charlie Kirk assassination: Exclusive photos show path to campus rooftop weeks later as access scrutinized

Charlie Kirk Incident: New Photos Reveal Route to Campus Rooftop Amid Security Review

“Many campus police departments do not have drone programs, which poses a…
Des Moines superintendent to resign after being detained by ICE, lawyer says

Des Moines School Superintendent Plans to Step Down Following ICE Detention, Lawyer Reports

An Iowa school superintendent who was recently taken into custody by Immigration…
Anti-Defamation League retires glossary of extremist groups after backlash for including Charlie Kirk's TPUSA

ADL withdraws extremist groups glossary following criticism for listing Charlie Kirk’s TPUSA

The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) recently decided to pull its entire “Glossary of…
North Carolina bar patron’s video may have foiled gunman night before deadly waterfront massacre: report

Video from a North Carolina bar patron might have stopped a gunman the night before a deadly waterfront shooting: report

A gunman accused of carrying out an ambush at a North Carolina…
Gas explosion causes partial collapse of high-rise apartment building in New York City's Bronx neighborhood, no injuries reported

Gas Blast Triggers Partial Collapse of High-Rise in Bronx, NYC; No Reported Injuries

NEW YORK — A gas explosion erupted in an apartment building in…
Teen charged with murder after allegedly killing two girls in deadly hit-and-run crash: prosecutor

Teen Accused of Murder After Fatal Hit-and-Run Kills Two Girls, According to Prosecutor

Two teen girls were killed in a hit-and-run incident in New Jersey…
Son accused of brutally beating his mother to death with gardening tool over inheritance: police

Man Allegedly Kills Mother in Violent Attack Using Garden Tool in Dispute Over Inheritance: Authorities

A Missouri man is behind bars after authorities say he allegedly beat…
BMW recalls over 145,000 vehicles for fire risk

BMW Issues Recall for Over 145,000 Vehicles Due to Fire Hazard

BMW is recalling more than 145,000 vehicles due to starter motor overheating…