**Who’s Thomas Sanford? Ex-Marine Suspect in Michigan Church Shooting That Killed Four**
*By Snehil Singh | September 29, 2025, 11:04 AM*
A tragic incident unfolded in Grand Blanc Township, Michigan, when Thomas Jacob Sanford, a 40-year-old former United States Marine, allegedly carried out a deadly attack at a local church. Sanford is accused of ramming his vehicle into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints chapel, opening fire on worshippers inside, and setting the building on fire. The attack resulted in at least four deaths and left eight others injured before the fire was contained.
**Marine Service Background**
Thomas Sanford served in the U.S. Marine Corps from June 2004 to June 2008. During his tenure, he worked as an automotive mechanic and vehicle recovery operator. Sanford was deployed to Iraq between August 2007 and March 2008, achieving the rank of sergeant. His final posting was with the 2nd Maintenance Battalion at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.
Throughout his service, Sanford received several military honors, including the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal.
**Incident and Aftermath**
Shortly after the attack, police engaged Sanford in a gunfire exchange. Law enforcement officers arrived at the scene within 30 seconds of the initial 911 call and fatally shot Sanford approximately eight minutes later, just 11 minutes after the call was received.
The motive behind Sanford’s horrific actions remains unknown as investigations continue. The FBI has deployed 100 agents to assist local authorities in the ongoing inquiry.
**Personal Life**
Sanford married his high school sweetheart in 2016. The couple has a 10-year-old son who was born with a rare genetic condition. In 2015, the family launched a GoFundMe campaign to help cover medical expenses for their son. Reports indicate that Sanford took leave from his job as a truck driver for Coca-Cola to care for his child.
Ryan Lopez, a former classmate, expressed shock at the news, describing Sanford as a “normal” person with a passion for hunting.
**Presidential Response**
President Donald Trump publicly praised the FBI’s swift response to the incident and called for an immediate end to the “epidemic of violence” gripping the nation. In a social media statement, he urged, “PRAY for the victims, and their families. THIS EPIDEMIC OF VIOLENCE IN OUR COUNTRY MUST END, IMMEDIATELY!”
Police Chief William Renye confirmed the rapid response and the fatal shooting of Sanford during the confrontation.
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Authorities continue to investigate the tragic event as the community mourns the victims of this devastating attack.
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