Mormon church representative says no correlation between Michigan church shooter, congregation

(MENAFN) Initial findings suggest that the gunman who opened fire Sunday at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) in Grand Blanc Township, Michigan, had no known link to the congregation, according to a church spokesperson.

During morning services, the suspect drove his vehicle through the church’s front doors before exiting and “firing several rounds at individuals within the church,” Grand Blanc Police Chief William Renye said. At least four people were killed and eight others injured, authorities confirmed. The suspect also died.

Police reported that as of Sunday evening, seven of the victims were in stable condition, while one remained in critical condition. The church described the incident as “a tragic act of violence” and stated, “The church is in communication with local law enforcement as the investigation continues and as we receive updates on the condition of those affected.”

Michigan officials identified the suspect as 40-year-old Thomas Jacob Sanford. A spokesperson for the US Marine Corps confirmed that Sanford was a Marine veteran who served from 2004 to 2008, working as a mechanic and vehicle recovery operator and spending a year deployed during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Reuben Coleman, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Detroit Field Office, said the bureau has assumed control of the investigation, treating the case as an “act of targeted violence.” This step indicates that federal authorities may be examining potential violations of federal law.

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