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
US veteran rescues 'most wanted woman in Western Hemisphere' from Venezuela in secret operation

Heroic US Veteran Executes Daring Rescue of Western Hemisphere’s Most Wanted Woman from Venezuela

The intricate rescue mission to safely transport Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina…
Australia allowed Jewish hate to fester with cowardly appeasement and foolish immigration decisions

Australia’s Approach to Immigration Sparks Concerns Over Anti-Semitism

Australia experienced its own version of a pivotal October 7th, but in…
Readers sound off on an uninsured crisis, elder parole and maritime law

Voices Raised: The Unseen Impact of Uninsured Crises, Elder Parole Debates, and Maritime Law Challenges

The harms of lost health care last a generation Manhattan: With extensive…
Australia Police Refuse to Comment on Motive of Sydney Terror Attack

Unraveling Silence: Australia Police Tight-Lipped on Sydney Terror Attack Motive

Australian authorities have opted to withhold comments regarding the motive behind the…
At least 10 dead after mass shooting during Hanukkah event on Australia's Bondi Beach

Tragic Shooting at Hanukkah Celebration on Bondi Beach Leaves 10 Dead

A tragic shooting occurred during a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach in…
What to know about Australia’s gun laws after deadly Bondi Beach shooting

Breaking Down Australia’s Gun Laws: Insights After the Bondi Beach Tragedy

Mass shootings are an uncommon occurrence in Australia, primarily due to comprehensive…
JSO: Man facing two murder charges in death of man, woman

Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office Charges Man with Dual Homicides in Connection to Recent Deaths

Authorities report that two individuals were found dead just one day apart…
Sweet Home Chicago benefit at Four Seasons Hotel in Chicago raises money for WINGS' services for domestic violence survivors

Empowerment in the Windy City: Four Seasons Hosts ‘Sweet Home Chicago’ to Support Domestic Violence Survivors

Festive joy filled the air at the Four Seasons Hotel in Chicago…
Illegal immigrant caught and released by Biden administration now charged in Washington vehicular homicide

Truck Driver Accused in Fatal Washington Crash Released on $100,000 Bond

A semi-truck driver, identified as an undocumented immigrant from India, was released…
'Thank you for all you gave us': Hollywood reacts to Rob Reiner's death

Hollywood Mourns the Loss of Legend Rob Reiner: Celebrities Pay Heartfelt Tributes

The sudden and unexpected deaths of filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife,…
Victim’s family breaks silence as Oklahoma teen in violent sex assault case avoids prison time: report

Outrage Sparks as Oklahoma Teen Escapes Prison in Shocking Sex Assault Case: Family Speaks Out

In Stillwater, Oklahoma, families are tirelessly seeking justice after 18-year-old Jesse Mack…
2 found dead at Brentwood home owned by director Rob Reiner; LAPD launches murder investigation

Tragic Discovery at Director Rob Reiner’s Brentwood Home Sparks Intense LAPD Murder Investigation

BRENTWOOD, Calif. — Tragedy struck a Los Angeles residence linked to renowned…