Thomas Jacob Sanford: 5 shocking things we know about Michigan church shooting suspect
Posted on: Sep 29, 2025 03:07 IST | Posted by: Hindustantimes
Thomas Jacob Sanford was identified as the gunman who opened fire inside a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints chapel in Grand Blanc, Michigan, on Sunday. The 40-year-old then apparently set the building on fire, killing at least two people and injuring several others. Police shot him after a short pursuit, officials confirmed.
Police Chief William Renye told reporters that investigators believe Sanford ‘deliberately’ set the building on fire. Videos on social media showed a massive plume of smoke coming out of the church. The blaze was eventually put out.
Read More: Thomas Sanford a Trump supporter? Big claim on Michigan church shooter's political affiliation
- Thomas Sanford was 40 years old. He was from neighboring Burton. Authorities on Sunday searched the suspect's residence before revealing his identity.
- Motive: Authorities declined to reveal the motive behind the shooting. Investigators did not provide details about the suspect, including whether he was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, widely known as the Mormon church.
- The New York Post earlier reported that Thomas Sanford was a war veteran. According to the outlet, citing his mother's Facebook posts, the 40-year-old served in Iraq from 2004 to 2008.
Read More: Thomas Sanford family: Details on Grand Blanc church suspect's mother, wife and son emerge
- The Post further added that they found a GoFundMe page, linked to Sanford, from 2015. It raised more than $3,000 for the couple’s now-10-year-old son, who was born with congenital hyperinsulinism, or CHI.
- The report stated that photos from the Sanfords’ Facebook page show his family posing in the beds of pickup trucks or in a field of tall sunflowers.
President Trump said he has been briefed ‘on the horrendous shooting that took place at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, in Grand Blanc, Michigan’.
“The FBI was immediately on scene, and will be leading the Federal Investigation, and providing full support to State and Local Officials. The suspect is dead, but there is still a lot to learn. This appears to be yet another targeted attack on Christians in the United States of America. The Trump Administration will keep the Public posted, as we always do. In the meantime, PRAY for the victims, and their families. THIS EPIDEMIC OF VIOLENCE IN OUR COUNTRY MUST END, IMMEDIATELY!”
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.