GRAND BLANC, Mich. — Authorities have identified the gunman responsible for a deadly mass shooting and fire at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc Township on Sunday morning. The suspect, 40-year-old Thomas Jacob Sanford of Burton, Michigan, was a former U.S. Marine veteran who served in Iraq from 2004 to 2008, according to family members.
Police said Sanford drove his Chevrolet Silverado into the church entrance before opening fire with a semi-automatic rifle on parishioners gathered for worship services. The horrifying attack left at least two people dead and nine others wounded. Witnesses described chaos as congregants scrambled for safety while flames quickly spread through the building. Investigators believe hundreds of worshippers were inside when the assault began, raising fears that additional victims may still be trapped within the burned structure.
Authorities also confirmed that several improvised explosive devices were discovered on church property, prompting bomb squad units to secure the scene. While the source of the blaze remains under investigation, officials believe Sanford may have ignited the fire after opening fire on the congregation. Video footage later showed Sanford dead outside the church after being shot and killed by responding officers.
Sanford’s background has added a complex layer to the tragedy. Social media pages believed to belong to him show family photos with his wife and young son, smiling together in pickup trucks or sunflower fields. A dormant GoFundMe from 2015 reveals that the couple raised over $3,000 for their son, who was born with congenital hyperinsulinism (CHI), a rare genetic condition that causes dangerously high insulin levels. Despite these glimpses of family life, investigators are still working to determine what motivated the violent outburst.
Law enforcement sources confirmed Sanford’s identity to multiple outlets, including the New York Post. His mother also acknowledged her son’s military service and expressed shock over the devastating events. The tragedy has left both the Burton and Grand Blanc communities reeling, with residents struggling to understand how a man once devoted to serving his country turned his weapon on a house of worship.
As the investigation continues, officials have sealed off the surrounding area, with fire crews still battling the remnants of the blaze and police searching for additional evidence. For now, the focus remains on identifying all victims, supporting survivors, and piecing together how a Sunday worship service turned into one of Michigan’s most shocking acts of violence in recent memory.