Grand Blanc, Michigan — 40-Year-Old Thomas Jacob Sanford Identified as Suspect in LDS Church Shooting, Arson, and Possible Explosive Device Threat. Authorities have confirmed the identity of the suspect in the horrific mass shooting and arson attack at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc, Michigan, as 40-year-old Thomas Jacob Sanford, a resident of Burton, Michigan. The shooting, which took place during morning worship services, has left the community reeling, and the investigation continues to unfold, with law enforcement working to piece together the full scope of the attack.

Details of the Incident:

The deadly chain of events began when Sanford drove his 2008 GMC Sierra truck into the front entrance of the church at 4285 McCandlish Road. Witnesses reported that the truck, which bore veteran license plates, rammed into the church’s front doors, allowing Sanford to exit the vehicle and open fire on the congregation with an assault-style rifle. At least 10 people were shot during the attack, with two confirmed fatalities, including one victim who died later at the hospital. The number of casualties may rise as investigators continue to search through the charred remains of the building.

Sanford’s Background and Vehicle Identification:

Sanford’s truck was one of the key pieces of evidence that led to his identification. Public property records indicate that Sanford resides at 4156 Atherton Road in Burton, Michigan, and owns the vehicle used in the attack. Authorities have since cordoned off the residence and are conducting a thorough search for additional evidence that may provide more insight into Sanford’s background and the motive behind the attack.

Initial reports from the scene suggested that Sanford may have been an “Iraqi veteran,” a detail that has generated significant attention. While it remains unclear whether Sanford was of Iraqi descent or a veteran of the Iraq War, authorities are investigating this possibility. The presence of veteran license plates on Sanford’s vehicle has added weight to this theory, though the specifics are yet to be confirmed.

Arson and Explosive Device Threat:

After the shooting, Sanford reportedly set the church on fire, exacerbating the devastation caused by the attack. Video footage from the scene shows the suspect’s body lying outside the burning church after he was shot and killed by police. The fire has caused significant structural damage to the church, with parts of the roof collapsing as fire crews continue to battle the blaze.

Authorities are also investigating a potential explosive threat after scanner traffic from Grand Blanc reported a beeping noise coming from Sanford’s truck. This raised concerns that the vehicle may have been rigged with an improvised explosive device (IED). Bomb squad units have been dispatched to the scene to investigate a suspicious item on church property that could be linked to the IED threat. Law enforcement has warned first responders to stay clear of the vehicle until it is fully secured and the threat is neutralized.

Casualties and Missing Persons:

At the time of the attack, hundreds of people were inside the church, as it was during Sunday services. Police estimate that a significant number of victims were inside the church at the time of the shooting, and several individuals remain missing. The continued search of the building has raised concerns that more victims may still be trapped within the burned structure.

As the investigation progresses, authorities are working to identify the victims and provide updates on their condition. The number of casualties is expected to rise as more information becomes available. The community of Grand Blanc is in mourning, and families anxiously await news about their loved ones who may still be unaccounted for.

Emergency Response and Law Enforcement Presence:

In response to the unfolding crisis, law enforcement and emergency response teams have flooded the area, with at least 15 to 20 marked and unmarked emergency vehicles deployed. Police have sealed off the immediate area surrounding the church and are urging the public to avoid South Saginaw Road and nearby routes while the situation remains active.

FBI agents, local police, and bomb squads are working together to investigate all aspects of the incident, from the shooting and arson to the potential explosives found near the church. With a heightened law enforcement presence, officials are determined to uncover the full details of Sanford’s background and the motive behind the attack.

Witness Accounts and Investigation Into Motive:

Witnesses at the scene described the chaos that ensued as Sanford rammed his truck into the church and opened fire on parishioners. One witness recalled hearing gunshots and seeing people running for their lives. Several witnesses reported seeing two elderly men lying motionless on the ground outside the church after the attack, adding to the confusion and horror of the moment.

In addition to the investigation into Sanford’s military background, law enforcement is also examining online activity linked to the suspect. Unconfirmed reports suggest that Sanford may have expressed anti-Mormon sentiments online, raising the possibility that the attack could have been motivated by religious extremism. Authorities are working to verify these claims and determine whether Sanford’s actions were fueled by personal grievances, mental health issues, or extremist ideologies.

The Community’s Response and Recovery Efforts:

The residents of Grand Blanc are grappling with the aftermath of the devastating attack, and the emotional toll on the community is immense. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has long been a central institution in the area, and this attack on its congregation has left many feeling vulnerable and fearful.

In addition to the physical damage to the church, the community is left to deal with the psychological and emotional effects of the tragedy. Counseling services will likely be provided to help survivors and witnesses cope with the trauma of the attack. The loss of life and the destruction of the church will leave a lasting impact on the people of Grand Blanc.

Press Conference and Updates:

A press conference has been scheduled for 12:45 p.m. ET, where law enforcement officials are expected to provide updates on the investigation, the status of the fire, and the number of victims. Authorities will likely release additional details about Sanford’s background, his possible military ties, and the investigation into the potential explosive device. As the investigation continues, officials are committed to providing the public with accurate and timely information.

Conclusion:

The mass shooting and arson attack at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc is a devastating tragedy that has shaken the community to its core. With the identification of Thomas Jacob Sanford as the primary suspect, authorities are now focusing on uncovering the motive behind the attack, as well as investigating the potential threat of explosives linked to the truck.

As first responders continue their work and the investigation unfolds, the residents of Grand Blanc are left to process the horror of the attack and support one another in the face of this heartbreaking tragedy. The community remains in mourning, and law enforcement is working tirelessly to ensure justice is served and to bring closure to the victims and their families.