A gunman opened fire at a Mormon church in Grand Blanc, Michigan, killing at least two people and injuring nine others before being killed in a shootout with police. The suspect has been identified as 40-year-old Thomas Jacob Sanford, a U.S. Marine veteran who served in Iraq from 2004 to 2008. Sanford lived approximately 15 minutes away from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc Township, according to authorities.
Law enforcement sources confirmed Sanford as the primary suspect in the attack, which included the placement of improvised explosive devices on church property. A bomb squad was deployed to investigate the scene, though the origin of the blaze remains undetermined. Sanford allegedly rammed his Chevy Silverado truck into the building before opening fire with a semi-automatic rifle, targeting congregants and their families as they fled.
Sanford’s family revealed details about his personal life, including that he had a son born with a rare disorder, for whom a GoFundMe campaign was launched in 2015. His social media profiles reportedly featured an Iraq sticker, though no information has been confirmed regarding medications, mental health, or prior attendance at the church. The motive behind the attack remains unknown.
Authorities have not disclosed further details about Sanford’s background or potential triggers for the violence. Victims and their families have been urged to receive support during this time.