A shooter opened fire in a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints chapel on Sunday. The ex-marine, who drove his pick-up truck through the front doors, killed four people and was later killed by police. The church was also set on fire, and eight others were injured, with six still in the hospital.
The attack occurred while church services were in session and hundreds of people were inside.
The shooter was 40-year-old Thomas Jacob Sanford, who was from the surrounding Grand Blanc Township area. The FBI is leading the investigation and considering it an act of targeted violence.
A local city council member, Kris Johns, recalls a conversation with Sanford, saying the conversation started normally, but Sanford became more pointed.
“(The conversation) was extremely anti-Mormon, and then really what I walked away with, you know, the statement I’ll never forget was that Mormons are the anti-Christ.” Johns recognized Sanford from the pictures and knew that it was whom he had spoken to previously.
Sanford was previously arrested for burglary and operating a vehicle while intoxicated. There were also makeshift explosives found inside the pick-up. Sanford served in Iraq from 2007-2008 as an automotive mechanic.
A co-worker of Sanford, Garry Reynolds Jr., said he couldn’t recall any warnings that Sanford was planning something violent. Reynolds went on to say Sanford was a good person. Sanford’s family did not know the motive for the shooting.
The leaders of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints urge prayer, peace and support for the victims and their families.
“We mourn with our members who lost loved ones, and we join in prayer for comfort with others around the world who are suffering from similar tragedies.”
The shooting occurred hours after the church announced their president had died.
Author: Lainey Porter
Photo courtesy of Julie J, @Malkowski6April, AP News
Editor: Hannah Clove
news@suunews.net
