Thomas Sanford military career: Michigan church shooter received ‘good conduct’ medal; Iraq details out
Posted on: Sep 29, 2025 06:26 IST | Posted by: Hindustantimes
The great lakes state christian church shot surmise, Thomas Jacob Sanford, reportedly had a decorated career as a US Marine. Sanford, 40, crashed his car into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at Grand Blanc, on Sunday, and opened fire on the parishioners, killing two and wounding many.
He was killed in the ensuing firefight with responding officers, and now a US Marines spokesperson has shared details of his time serving in the military.
As per the US Marine Corps, Sanford served in the military from June 2004 to 2008, NBC News reported. A spokesman told the publication that he was an 'organizational automative mechanic' as well as a vehicle recovery operator. Sanford got the rank of sergeant while with the Marines. From August 2007 to March 2008, he was deployed in Operation Iraqi Freedom, the publication further reported.
Further, the spokesperson told the publication that Sanford earned many medals during his time. He has been given the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, the Iraq Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and the National Defense Service Medal.
Sanford's last assignment was reportedly in the 2nd Maintenance Battalion of Combat Logistics Regiment 25 at the Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune in North Carolina, the spokesperson also shared.
Several reactions came in after the shooting. Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer said on social media “My heart is breaking for the Grand Blanc community. Violence anywhere especially in a place of worship, is unacceptable.”
President Donald Trump said on his Truth Social platform that the shooting ‘appears to be yet another targeted attack on Christians in the United States of America.’ He added, “THIS EPIDEMIC OF VIOLENCE IN OUR COUNTRY MUST END, IMMEDIATELY!”
The Michigan incident marked the 324th mass shooting in the US in 2025, according to the Gun Violence Archive, which tracks such incidents and describes a mass shooting as one in which four or more people are shot or killed, not including the shooter.
It was also the third US mass shooting in less than 24 hours, including the North Carolina incident and a shooting a few hours later at a casino in Eagle Pass, Texas, that killed at least two people and injured several others.
(With Reuters inputs)
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.