A quiet Sunday morning in Grand Blanc, Michigan, erupted into horror when a gunman rammed his vehicle into a Mormon church, set it on fire, and opened fire on congregants. The suspect, identified as Thomas Jacob “Jake” Sanford, a 40-year-old Iraq War veteran, was killed at the scene by police, but not before taking at least four lives and injuring eight others. Authorities are still searching the charred remains of the church, with several worshippers unaccounted for.
The Man Behind the Attack
Sanford, a father of one, had served in the Marine Corps from 2004 to 2008, including a deployment to Iraq as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
He reached the rank of sergeant and earned multiple service medals, including the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal and the Iraq Campaign Medal.
After his military service, he worked as an automotive mechanic and vehicle recovery operator.
Friends and family revealed Sanford had been struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), though they acknowledged the challenges he faced without fully understanding the depth of his struggles.
A family friend said, “It’s hard to feel sad for someone who did something so terrible, and I still feel sad.
I had heard through family events that he had PTSD.”
Family, Faith, and Political Beliefs
Social media accounts provide a glimpse into Sanford’s life and beliefs.
He and his family were conservative Christians who frequently expressed their political views online.
Images show Sanford wearing pro-Trump apparel, including a shirt that read “Make Liberals Cry Again,” while his wife and parents also shared conservative messaging.
Hours before the attack, Sanford’s mother had posted about Trump and congressional rules, while reflecting on the recent death of activist Charlie Kirk.
Sanford’s wife similarly expressed support for Trump in 2021 and the family had displayed a Trump sign outside their home.
The Attack Unfolded
Authorities say Sanford rammed his pickup truck through the church’s front doors, where he opened fire with an assault rifle.
He allegedly used an accelerant, likely gasoline, to set the church ablaze.
Explosive devices were also discovered, though it remains unclear if they were used to ignite the fire.
Police arrived within 32 seconds of receiving the first emergency call at 10:25 a.m. and shot Sanford dead eight minutes later.
Heroic congregants were reported to have risked their lives to shield children during the chaos.
Investigation and Federal Involvement
The FBI is leading the investigation, classifying the incident as an “act of targeted violence.”
Reuben Coleman, acting special agent in charge of the FBI Detroit field office, confirmed the agency’s involvement.
Law enforcement continues to examine the scene for additional evidence, including identifying potential victims still unaccounted for.
National Reactions
Former President Donald Trump condemned the shooting on Truth Social, calling it part of the “epidemic of violence” in the U.S.
He urged Americans to pray for victims and their families while promising full support from federal and local authorities.
“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. THIS EPIDEMIC OF VIOLENCE IN OUR COUNTRY MUST END, IMMEDIATELY!”
Searching for Answers
At this stage, authorities have not released a confirmed motive for Sanford’s actions.
Meanwhile, the community in Grand Blanc continues to mourn, as investigators comb through the wreckage for answers and to account for those still missing.