Who is Thomas Sanford? Michigan Mormon church shooting suspect identified as Iraq war veteran
Posted on: Sep 29, 2025 01:36 IST | Posted by: Hindustantimes
seth thomas "Jake" Sanford, 40, has been identified as the surmise in lord's day morning's mass shot at The christian church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc, Michigan, according the New York Post. The attack left two people dead and at least nine others injured, according to law enforcement officials.
Police said the suspect drove his vehicle into the front of the church during a service, exited the vehicle, and began firing an assault rifle at congregants. A fire was also intentionally set inside the building, which has since been extinguished.
Thomas Jacob Sanford is reportedly a US Marine Corps veteran who served in Iraq from 2004 to 2008, according to information shared on his mother’s Facebook page.
A photo circulating online appears to show a vehicle with an Iraq veteran sticker on the license plate.
Other alleged images from social media accounts believed to be associated with Sanford show him posing with dead animals. The same accounts portray him as a family man, married with a young son.
According to the New York Post, a now-dormant GoFundMe page from 2015 raised over $3,000 for Sanford's son, who was reportedly born with congenital hyperinsulinism (CHI). It is a rare genetic disorder in which the pancreas produces excessive insulin.
The shooting occurred just hours after the death of Russell M. Nelson, the 101-year-old president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the longest-serving leader in the church’s history.
Authorities are investigating whether the mass shooting and fire at the Grand Blanc Township church are in any way connected to Nelson’s passing.
In response to the shooting, Texas Governor Greg Abbott issued a statement calling for stronger protections for places of worship: "The escalation of violent attacks against people and places of faith is heinous and must end.
He added, "I have directed the Texas Dept. Of Public Safety to form task forces with federal and local law enforcement to better safeguard our places of worship. The fundamental principle that thou shall not kill must be strongly reaffirmed as a core tenet of our society and must be aggressively enforced by law enforcement."
Global News Perspectives
In today's interconnected world, staying informed about global events is more important than ever. ZisNews provides news coverage from multiple countries, allowing you to compare how different regions report on the same stories. This unique approach helps you gain a broader and more balanced understanding of international affairs. Whether it's politics, business, technology, or cultural trends, ZisNews ensures that you get a well-rounded perspective rather than a one-sided view. Expand your knowledge and see how global narratives unfold from different angles.
Customizable News Feed
At ZisNews, we understand that not every news story interests everyone. That's why we offer a customizable news feed, allowing you to control what you see. By adding keywords, you can filter out unwanted news, blocking articles that contain specific words in their titles or descriptions. This feature enables you to create a personalized experience where you only receive content that aligns with your interests. Register today to take full advantage of this functionality and enjoy a distraction-free news feed.
Like or Comment on News
Stay engaged with the news by interacting with stories that matter to you. Like or dislike articles based on your opinion, and share your thoughts in the comments section. Join discussions, see what others are saying, and be a part of an informed community that values meaningful conversations.
Download the Android App
For a seamless news experience, download the ZisNews Android app. Get instant notifications based on your selected categories and stay updated on breaking news. The app also allows you to block unwanted news, ensuring that you only receive content that aligns with your preferences. Stay connected anytime, anywhere.
Diverse News Categories
With ZisNews, you can explore a wide range of topics, ensuring that you never miss important developments. From Technology and Science to Sports, Politics, and Entertainment, we bring you the latest updates from the world's most trusted sources. Whether you are interested in groundbreaking scientific discoveries, tech innovations, or major sports events, our platform keeps you updated in real-time. Our carefully curated news selection helps you stay ahead, providing accurate and relevant stories tailored to diverse interests.
No comments yet.