Michigan church attack: Suspect identified as Thomas J. Sanford, 40, dies after Grand Blanc shooting

What you need to know

Suspect: Thomas Jacob Sanford, 40, of Burton, Michigan, known locally for his distinctive GMC Sierra truck with two American flags.
Event: A mass shooting and arson attack at a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc, Michigan. Sanford died during a police exchange of gunfire.
Casualties: At least four people were killed and eight injured.
Motive: Not officially identified by investigators at the time; White House officials described Sanford as someone who harbored hatred toward Mormons.
Background: Sanford was a Marine veteran with a history in the Burton area; he had a family and a child with a rare genetic disorder. Neighbors and friends describe a complex profile that includes troubling statements about groups, including LDS Church members.

What happened in Grand Blanc

On Sunday morning, witnesses reported a mass shooting at a local LDS church. Police say Sanford crashed his GMC Sierra into the front of the building, then opened fire with an assault rifle and started a fire. He died in an exchange of gunfire with officers. The church sustained significant damage as investigators work to determine the full sequence of events.

Local residents described Sanford as someone who could be friendly in public but later displayed troubling statements. Reports indicate he criticized the LDS Church and spoke of strong anti-Mormon sentiments during interactions with others prior to the attack.

Details about the suspect

Sanford, who went by the nickname “Jake,” was an Iraq War veteran and outdoorsman. Public records show he grew up in the Flint area and had lived for years in the suburb of Burton. He was married and had at least one child, a son born with a rare genetic disorder.

Just days before the attack, a close acquaintance said Sanford’s behavior was unsettling, including a moment where he drove his truck toward a woman and her child as they crossed the street, then laughed and said it was a joke.

The family has released statements of grief, and relatives expressed sorrow for the victims. In published posts, Sanford’s mother’s Facebook page showed him as a hunter and family man, contrasting with the later accusations tied to the attack.

Background and context

Sanford’s history includes military service, a time in Utah, and a long-standing residence in Burton, Michigan. Medical and financial challenges were connected to his family’s efforts to care for a son with congenital hyperinsulinism, a condition that required surgeries and hospital stays.

Community members described a combination of a veteran’s discipline with troubling statements about groups of people, raising questions about the factors that culminated in this tragedy. Authorities have urged caution in drawing conclusions about motive while they continue their investigation.

Reaction and next steps

Officials have not released a formal motive. White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said Sanford was “an individual who hated people of the Mormon faith.” Local leaders and neighbors are left to grieve and support affected families as investigators review evidence and confirm timelines.

The community is assessing safety measures and mourning those who were lost or injured. Updates from law enforcement and local officials are expected as new information becomes available.