The quiet of Grand Blanc Township, just outside Flint, was shattered on Sunday morning when Thomas Jacob Sanford, 40, drove his pickup truck into a local church, opened fire, and set the building ablaze.
The tragic incident left at least four dead and eight more wounded, as police continue to comb through the ruins for additional victims.
Sanford, a former Marine from Burton, was shot and killed by authorities in the church parking lot shortly after the attack.
Early Warning Signs and Strange Encounters
Residents say there were signs that Sanford was struggling long before the tragedy.
Kris Johns, a local running for city council, recalled a chilling conversation with Sanford less than a week prior.
Johns was canvassing the neighborhood when Sanford, recognizing him, began speaking about his personal struggles.
“He shared some really dark experiences, especially his battle with drug addiction after returning from his service,” Johns told the Detroit Free Press.
At the time, Sanford had been living in Utah and was in a relationship with someone involved in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
A Conversation That Took a Dark Turn
Johns, a practicing Christian, initially discussed faith with Sanford, but the talk quickly shifted into unsettling territory.
Sanford asked detailed questions about Mormonism, Jesus’ role in the religion, and even the history of the LDS church.
“He started asking about the Mormon Bible, church ceremonies, tattoos—everything,” Johns said.
“It was hard to predict where the conversation would go next.” Despite the intensity, Johns didn’t feel threatened and had no reason to call the police.
Signs of Personal Struggle and PTSD
Family and friends reveal Sanford had been grappling with PTSD from his military service.
A family friend noted, “It’s hard to feel sad for someone who did something so terrible, but he clearly struggled.”
His past, combined with personal challenges, painted a picture of a deeply troubled individual.
Sanford’s loved ones also frequently posted pro-Trump content on social media.
Just two days before the attack, his mother shared a pointed Facebook post about accountability and communication, which forensic psychologist Carole Liberman suggested could have been a possible trigger for her son.
The Attack Unfolds
Police say Sanford raised two American flags from his truck bed before opening fire at the church.
He reportedly used gas to ignite the fire and had explosive devices on him, though it’s unclear if these were deployed. Authorities are investigating further.
The community is now left grappling with the aftermath, mourning the victims, and trying to understand how someone they had seen in the neighborhood could commit such a horrific act.
Looking for Answers
Experts suggest that a combination of PTSD, family dynamics, and personal struggles may have contributed to Sanford’s actions.
“This was someone who had vulnerabilities from both his upbringing and his service,” Liberman said.
“Add triggers from his environment, and it can push an already unstable person toward violence.”
As investigators continue to sift through evidence and search the church ruins, Grand Blanc Township remains in shock, struggling to come to terms with the tragedy that unfolded in their midst.