Investigators are looking for a motive in the fatal shooting at an LDS church in Grand Blanc, Michigan, after four people were killed on the morning of Sunday, September 28.
Thomas Jacob Sanford drove his truck into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints before he shot congregants and set the building on fire, according to ABC News.
Following the attack, a source briefed on the investigation told ABC News that detectives are working to determine Sanford’s motive behind the shooting.
Investigators are working to find out if the church had been the target of threats in recent months, as well as if the shooting was in any way linked to the death of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints president Russell M. Nelson, according to the outlet. He died on Saturday, September 27, at 101 years old.
FBI Arrests Man Accused of Threatening to Shoot at Texas Pride Event in Facebook Post
At least four people were killed and eight others were injured as of Monday, September 29, according to officials. Sanford was killed at the age of 40 when he entered into a shootout with responding police, law enforcement said.
The FBI is leading an investigation into the matter, while the attack has been labeled as an “act of targeted violence.”
Officials confirmed that one victim died at the scene, while another died at the hospital. Meanwhile, two more victims were found dead at the scene due to the fire, per ABC News. Of the eight victims that were hospitalized, seven are in stable condition and one is in critical condition.
“We do believe we will find additional victims once we have that scene secured,” Grand Blanc Township Police Chief William Renye told reporters on September 28, according to ABC News.
Officials added that the church is at a “total loss” as investigators look into the incident.
During the press conference, Renye said that the FBI has assigned more than 100 agents to help in the investigation.
25 People Are Dead After Drinking $1 Bottles of Vodka Laced With Methanol
Additionally, Renye said Sanford “ran the vehicle through the front door, exited and started firing shots.” It is currently unclear if he has any connection to the church.
ABC News confirmed that Sanford was a veteran of the Iraq War and served four years in the Marines between June 2004 and June 2008. Officials said he rose to the rank of sergeant and he served one combat tour to Iraq.
Following the attack, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer took to X to say that her “heart is breaking for the Grand Blanc community.”
“Violence anywhere, especially in a place of worship, is unacceptable,” she wrote. “I am grateful to the first responders who took action quickly. We will continue to monitor this situation and hold the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in the Grand Blanc close.”
