Thomas Jacob Sanford opened fire at the congregation inside the church before setting it on fire. (Source: Facebook, AP)
Authorities have identified 40-year-old Thomas Jacob Sanford from Burton, Michigan, as the suspect in a fatal shooting at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc Township.
Sanford, a 40-year-old Iraq War veteran who served in the US Marines, killed at least two people and injured eight others at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc Township, Michigan, as per New York Post report. Sanford was also killed during the incident.
According to a Facebook post by Sanford’s mother, he served in the US Marines from 2004 to 2008.
Details Of Attack
According to Grand Blanc Township Police Chief William Renye, officers received a call about the shooting at 10.25 am and arrived at the spot within seconds.
Sanford reportedly drove a vehicle through the front doors of the church before exiting and opening fire on congregants attending Sunday service. Police said the shooter used an assault rifle during the attack.
The suspect was “neutralized” at 10.33 am in the church parking lot, Chief Renye confirmed. Authorities have not yet disclosed a motive for the attack, and the investigation is underway.
