According to officials, the tragic incident at a Michigan LDS church on Sunday involved a 40-year-old veteran of the Iraq War, the suspect being identified as Thomas Jacob Sanford.
The sequence of events unfolded with Sanford driving his truck into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc, Michigan. Subsequently, he unleashed gunfire within the premises and ignited a fire, leading to devastating consequences.
Regrettably, Sanford was killed in a confrontation with law enforcement. The aftermath of this violent act resulted in the loss of at least four churchgoers, with eight others sustaining injuries during the attack.
In light of this horrific episode, attention has turned to Sanford’s military background. The vehicle he utilized for the assault bore an Iraq War veteran license plate, as per official sources.
An image shared on Sanford’s mother’s Facebook account depicts him standing next to the truck allegedly employed in the assault that transpired on Sunday.
As verified by ABC News through the United States Marine Corps, Sanford served a four-year tenure in the Marines from June 2004 to June 2008, attaining the rank of sergeant prior to his departure. Notably, he completed one combat deployment to Iraq as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom, concluding three months before his discharge in 2007.
During his military service, Sanford specialized in the maintenance and operation of military vehicle equipment. His responsibilities encompassed the inspection, servicing, and repair of tactical vehicles, as well as vehicle recovery operations crucial for supporting troop missions.
Post his military service, Sanford transitioned from combat logistics duties at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina, where he worked until his departure in March 2008.
The Marine Corps documentation pertaining to Sanford acknowledges his commendable service corresponding to his rank at the time, evidencing the recognition he received during his military service.
As the investigation unfolds, the motive behind the tragic shooting and arson on Sunday remains unclear, adding further complexity to this distressing incident.