By John Umeh
Authorities in Michigan have identified the man who rammed a pickup truck into a Latter-day Saints church, opened fire on congregants, and set the building on fire on Sunday, September 28.
The suspect, Thomas Sanford, a 40-year-old Iraq War veteran from Burton, Michigan, died in a shootout with responding officers minutes after the first 911 call was placed. Police say Sanford drove a Chevy Silverado decorated with two large American flags and deer antlers on the bumper into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc Township during its 10 a.m. service.
Once inside, Sanford opened fire on worshippers before igniting a blaze that engulfed the entire structure. At least four people were killed and eight others injured, while authorities fear additional victims may have been trapped in the fire.
Responding officers — a Department of Natural Resources ranger and a township police officer — arrived within 30 seconds of the alert and exchanged gunfire with Sanford, who was pronounced dead at the scene. Bomb squads later discovered improvised explosive devices on church property and have been searching the suspect’s home.
Social media accounts linked to Sanford show he was married with a young son and had served in Iraq between 2004 and 2008. A dormant GoFundMe page from 2015 raised money for the couple’s son, who was born with a rare genetic disorder.
Witnesses described scenes of chaos as the attack unfolded. “We at first thought someone had accidentally crashed into the church,” one congregant told local media. “Then he started shooting.” Another, Paul Kirby, said he was grazed by shrapnel as bullets shattered glass doors.
Authorities are continuing their investigation into the motive and how the blaze started. Federal agents have joined local police to examine the explosive devices and to piece together Sanford’s movements in the days leading up to the attack.
The deadly rampage has shocked the Grand Blanc community and prompted calls for tighter security at places of worship across the state.
