**Who’s Thomas Sanford, Ex-Marine Who Burned Michigan Church, Killed 4**
*By Snehil Singh | Sep 29, 2025, 11:04 AM*
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**The Incident**
Thomas Jacob Sanford, a 40-year-old former United States Marine, has been identified as the suspect in a tragic shooting at a Michigan church. The attack occurred on Sunday when Sanford allegedly rammed his vehicle into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints chapel in Grand Blanc Township, then opened fire on worshippers inside. He also set the church on fire, which was later contained by authorities.
At least four people were killed and eight others injured in the attack.
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**Marine Service Background**
Sanford was killed in a gunfire exchange with police approximately 11 minutes after the first 911 call was placed.
According to official records, Sanford served in the United States Marines from June 2004 to June 2008. During his service, he worked as an automotive mechanic and vehicle recovery operator. He was deployed to Iraq between August 2007 and March 2008, attaining the rank of sergeant. His final posting was with the 2nd Maintenance Battalion at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune in North Carolina.
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**Decorated Service**
The US Marines confirmed Sanford’s decorated military record. During his time in service, he received several awards, including:
– Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal
– Sea Service Deployment Ribbon
– Iraq Campaign Medal
– Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
– National Defense Service Medal
Ryan Lopez, a former classmate of Sanford’s, told the New York Post he was shocked by the news and described Sanford as a “normal” person who loved hunting.
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**Family Life**
Court records show that Sanford married his high school sweetheart in 2016. The couple has a 10-year-old son.
In 2015, the family created a GoFundMe page seeking funds to help cover medical care for their son, who was born with a rare genetic condition. Local reports indicate Sanford took leave from his job as a truck driver for Coca-Cola to care for his son.
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**Presidential Response**
President Donald Trump praised the FBI’s swift response to the shooting. In a social media post, he said:
*“PRAY for the victims, and their families. THIS EPIDEMIC OF VIOLENCE IN OUR COUNTRY MUST END, IMMEDIATELY!”*
The FBI has sent 100 agents to assist local authorities with the investigation.
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**Investigation Status**
Police Chief William Renye stated that officers arrived on the scene within 30 seconds of the 911 call and killed Sanford about eight minutes later.
As of now, authorities have not established any motive behind the attack.
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This tragic event has deeply affected the Grand Blanc community as they mourn the loss of those killed and support the injured. The investigation continues as officials work to understand the circumstances surrounding this devastating act of violence.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/world/who-was-thomas-sanford-michigan-church-shooter/story