Summary
A former Marine named Thomas Jacob Sanford attacked a church in Michigan, killing at least four people and injuring eight. Investigators are looking into whether he targeted the Mormon church members due to hatred towards their faith. The attack involved a shooting, an arson, and a subsequent shootout with police.
Key Facts
- The incident took place at a church in Grand Blanc Township, Michigan.
- Thomas Jacob Sanford, the suspect, was a 40-year-old ex-Marine and Iraq War veteran.
- Investigators are examining Sanford's potential hostility towards Mormons as a motive.
- Sanford drove a truck into the church, opened fire, and set fire to the building.
- At least four people died, and eight others were injured during the attack.
- The FBI is actively investigating the incident, and further details are being sought from Sanford’s residence and phone.
- Grand Blanc Township is located about 60 miles northwest of Detroit.
- This incident represents the 324th mass shooting in the U.S. in 2025 according to the Gun Violence Archive.
