Who is Thomas Jacob Sanford? What we know about the suspected Michigan church gunman
Share and Follow

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

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 and Follow
You May Also Like
Exclusive | How Trump's divided loyalties sapped Stefanik's campaign

Trump’s Divided Loyalties Undermine Stefanik’s Campaign: An In-Depth Analysis

New York Republicans were taken aback when Rep. Elise Stefanik seemingly concluded…
'Going out like the rockstar that he was:' Jacksonville music community celebrates the life of Joe Starkey

Jacksonville Music Community Honors the Legacy of Rockstar Joe Starkey

At the start of December, a musician tragically lost his life in…
Trump flees growing backlash over Epstein redactions for holiday break

Trump Takes Holiday Break Amid Rising Controversy Over Epstein Case Redactions

President Donald Trump has remained noticeably quiet following allegations of a ‘cover-up’…
Palmdale Street shooting on Jacksonville's Northwest side leaves man dead

Tragic Turn at Arlington House Party: 16-Year-Old Among 5 Injured in Shooting After Heated Argument

In the early hours of Saturday, a large house party in Jacksonville’s…
'I wouldn't wish this on anyone': Family of nine loses everything in Arlington housefire

Devastating Arlington Housefire Leaves Family of Nine With Nothing

A family reports losing nearly three decades’ worth of childhood photos and…
Luigi Mangione lawyers renew bid to toss death penalty charge, alleging Pam Bondi has a conflict of interest

Luigi Mangione’s Legal Team Seeks Dismissal of Death Penalty Charge, Citing Conflict of Interest Involving Pam Bondi

On Friday, Luigi Mangione’s legal team intensified their appeal to dismiss the…
Cruise ship chaos mounts as deaths, crimes on board shatter illusions of safety at sea, experts warn

Rising Concerns: Experts Highlight Safety Risks with Crimes and Fatalities on Cruise Ships

Cruise ships have long been a beloved vacation choice for many Americans,…
Inside the Reiners' tragic last supper with famous friend

Heartbreaking Final Dinner: Reiners Share Emotional Evening with Iconic Friend

Just days before tragedy struck the household of director Rob Reiner and…