Cliff Notes
- Thomas Jacob Sanford, 40, allegedly crashed his vehicle into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc, Michigan, before opening fire and igniting a fire using an accelerant.
- At least five individuals were killed, including Sanford, with fears that more victims may be found in the ruins; he served in the Marines and had received multiple awards.
- The FBI is investigating the incident as “an act of targeted violence,” and several suspected explosive devices were discovered at the scene, alongside reports of additional bomb threats in the community.
What we know about the suspect in the Michigan church shooting and fire | World News
As the search for more victims in the mass shooting and fire at a Mormon church in Michigan continues, officials are releasing details about the man suspected of turning a Sunday service into a scene of horror.
Authorities have said Thomas Jacob Sanford, 40, drove a vehicle through the front doors of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc Township, Michigan, before opening fire and setting the building ablaze.
He used an assault rifle, officials said.
At least five people were killed in the Sunday morning attack – including the gunman – and at least eight others were injured. Police believe more bodies may be found in the remains of the burned-down building.
Grand Blanc is about 50 miles north of Detroit. Sanford was from the nearby town of Burton.
According to US news network NBC News, Sanford served in the Marines from June 2004 to June 2008.