Michigan church shooting suspect was Marine, Iraq War veteran, officials say
Share this @internewscast.com

(The Hill) — The suspect in the Sunday shooting at a Michigan church was a Marine who served in Iraq, according to military officials.

Authorities identified the suspect as Thomas Jacob Sanford, 40, who died on the scene.

According to a statement from the Marine Corps, obtained by Nexstar’s NewsNation, Sanford was a sergeant who served from 2004 to 2008 and was deployed during the Iraq War. He received several honors, including the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal.

Officials reported that four individuals lost their lives in a shooting at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc, Michigan, while some remain unaccounted for. Authorities stated that Sanford drove his car into the church and ignited a fire.

President Donald Trump said Sunday the deadly shooting at the Mormon church looked to be a “targeted attack on Christians.”

“I have been briefed on the terrible shooting at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc, Michigan. The FBI promptly arrived at the scene and will be spearheading the Federal Investigation, offering full cooperation to State and Local Authorities. The suspect is deceased, but much remains to be uncovered,” wrote Trump on his Truth Social platform.

On Sunday night, the FBI’s Detroit field office also posted online, requesting that the public provide any information that could aid the investigation.

The incident follows the shooting at a Catholic school in Minneapolis in late August.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Mastering Change: Essential Strategies for Navigating 2026’s Transformative Transitions

NEW YORK – As December draws to a close, it’s that reflective…

China, Cambodia, and Thailand Diplomats Convene to Enhance Beijing’s Influence in Regional Dispute

HONG KONG – On Monday, foreign ministers from Cambodia and Thailand gathered…

Florida Enacts New Animal Protection Laws: Key Changes and What They Mean for Pet Owners

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Starting January 1, Florida will implement two new laws…

United States Commits $2 Billion to UN Humanitarian Aid Amid Trump’s Funding Cuts and Warnings to Agencies

GENEVA – On Monday, the United States committed to a $2 billion…

Southern California’s ‘Home for the Holidays’ Sting Rescues 19 from Human Trafficking Nightmare

The “Home for the Holidays” initiative, led by the Human Trafficking Task…

Apopka Police Request Public Assistance in Locating 37-Year-Old Woman Missing Since 2018

APOPKA, Fla. – Authorities in Apopka are urging the community to assist…

Mastering Change: Expert Strategies for Navigating Transitions as 2026 Approaches

NEW YORK – As December draws to a close, it’s that reflective…

Tennessee and Illinois Gear Up for an Exciting Showdown at the Music City Bowl

The stage is set for an exhilarating showdown as the Tennessee Volunteers…

China’s Strategic Military Drills Near Taiwan: A Cautionary Move Amid Rising Japan Tensions

In this photo released by Xinhua News Agency, Chinese President Xi Jinping,…

Heroic Trooper Rescues Woman from I-81 Bridge, Highlights Holiday Mental Health Awareness

Editor’s Note: This article addresses the sensitive issue of suicide, which may…

New ‘Ink of Hope Act’ Mandates Anti-Trafficking Training for Tattoo Artists: A Step Towards Safer Communities

In a significant step toward combating human trafficking, Tennessee has introduced the…

Discover 11 Iconic Songs That Found Inspiration in Brigitte Bardot

NEW YORK – Brigitte Bardot, a renowned figure of the 1960s celebrated…