Who is Thomas Jacob Sanford? What we know about the suspected Michigan church gunman
Share this @internewscast.com

The man police identified as the gunman who killed at least two people and injured several others during services at a Michigan Mormon church on Sunday before setting the building on fire is a 40-year-old Marine veteran who served in Iraq.

Thomas Jacob Sanford was named by authorities as the man who rammed a Chevy Silverado truck into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc Township, Michigan, before opening fire on the hundreds of worshipers gathered there. 

Sanford then allegedly set the building on fire before being killed by responding officers. Police have not said how the fire was started.

At a short news conference, authorities confirmed that Sanford, from nearby Burton, Michigan, was the lone suspect.

Smoke rising from Michigan church after attack

Emergency services respond to a shooting and fire at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc, Michigan. Police said there are multiple victims and the shooter is down. (Bill Pugliano/Getty Images)

Sunday’s shooting began at around 10:30 a.m.

“He drove his vehicle through the front doors of the church,” Grand Blanc Township Police Chief William Renye told reporters of what unfolded. “He then exited his vehicle, firing several rounds at individuals within the church. Ten gunshot victims have been transported to local hospitals at this time, including one who has died.”

Two responding officers confronted Sanford and exchanged gunfire with him, killing him, the chief said. Sanford was armed with what appeared to be a rifle, he added.

Authorities initially reported that one person had been killed. Hours later, police said a second victim died at a hospital.

aerial image of church on fire and black smoke billowing

In this image taken from video released by Julie J, @Malkowski6April, Massive flames and smoke rise from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc, about 50 miles north of Detroit. (Julie J, @Malkowski6April via AP)

Sunday’s shooting came a day after the death of longtime national LDS Church president Russell M. Nelson, who passed away at 101.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Trump's Foreign Policy Lie Exposed

Revealed: The Truth Behind Trump’s Foreign Policy Claims

On the Redacted podcast, libertarian firebrand Dave Smith exposes how the President’s…
5 big immigration changes taking effect across the US

Major Immigration Reforms: 5 Key Changes Reshaping U.S. Policy in 2023

In 2025, a series of immigration policy updates significantly altered the landscape…
President Donald Trump announces National Guard to be removed from Los Angeles, Chicago and Portland

President Trump Orders Withdrawal of National Guard from Los Angeles, Chicago, and Portland

President Donald Trump has decided to temporarily halt his initiative to send…
Somali daycare in Minnesota broken into, key documents stolen in overnight burglary

Overnight Heist at Minnesota Somali Daycare: Crucial Documents Stolen in Bold Burglary

A daycare center in Minneapolis, operated by the Somali community, recently suffered…
Netanyahu warns of ‘eighth front’ ideological battle for American hearts and minds with Christian leaders

Netanyahu Highlights New Ideological Challenge Aimed at Influencing American Perspectives with Christian Leadership

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu today emphasized the importance of faith-based allies…
United Airlines passenger in 'simulation' slugs flight attendant in face

United Airlines Incident: Passenger Assaults Flight Attendant in Bizarre ‘Simulation’ Scenario

A chaotic scene unfolded aboard a United Airlines flight when a passenger,…
The road ahead for transit in New York City in 2026 includes fare hikes

New York City Transit 2026: Anticipated Fare Hikes and Future Plans for Commuters

New York City’s new Mayor, Zohran Mamdani, who identifies as a democratic…
Texas 19-year-old Camila Mendoza Olmos vanishes outside her home on Christmas Eve

Texas Sheriff Confident: Missing Teen Camila Mendoza Olmos’ Remains Likely Discovered

This article addresses the sensitive topic of suicide. If you or someone…
Somali-Run Day Care in Minneapolis Claims Documents Were Stolen

Minneapolis Somali-Run Day Care Reports Theft of Important Documents

A daycare center operated by a Somali community in Minneapolis, Minnesota, has…
France reportedly planning to ban children under 15 from social media starting 2026

France’s Bold Move: Social Media Ban for Under-15s Set for 2026

France is setting its sights on a significant policy change, aiming to…
New Year's Eve: Thousands celebrate at 1st-ever Chicago 'New Year's Rockin' Eve' Ryan Seacrest' downtown

Chicago Rings in the New Year with Inaugural ‘New Year’s Rockin’ Eve’ Hosted by Ryan Seacrest

In a vibrant celebration of the New Year, Chicago’s Wacker Drive transformed…
Mamdani sworn in as NYC’s 112th mayor in midnight ceremony beneath City Hall

Mamdani Takes Oath as NYC’s 112th Mayor in Unique Midnight City Hall Ceremony

In an underground event held just after midnight on Wednesday, Zohran Mamdani…