GRAND BLANC TOWNSHIP, MI – The man identified by authorities as the perpetrator of the deadly attack on the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc Township, Michigan, has been named as Thomas Jacob Sanford, a 40-year-old resident of the nearby city of Burton.

The devastating incident on Sunday, which involved Sanford allegedly ramming his vehicle into the church, opening fire on the congregation, and deliberately starting a fire, has left multiple people dead and several injured.

As federal and local law enforcement agencies, including the FBI and ATF, launch a full investigation, a profile of Thomas Jacob Sanford—an Iraq War veteran and father—has begun to emerge.

Military Service and Background

One of the most immediate details about Sanford is his military history. According to U.S. Marine Corps records, Sanford:

Served in the Marine Corps from 2004 to 2008, achieving the rank of Sergeant.
Was an Iraq War veteran, deployed during Operation Iraqi Freedom from 2007 to 2008.
His role was an organizational automative mechanic and a vehicle recovery operator.
He received several commendations for his service, including the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal and the Iraq Campaign Medal.

The truck Sanford allegedly used in the attack reportedly bore an “IRAQ” license plate and two American flags, highlighting his connection to his military service.

A 2007 profile in a local news outlet, which referred to him as Thomas “Jake” Sanford, quoted him expressing enthusiasm for his upcoming deployment to Fallujah, Iraq.

Personal and Family Life

Sanford was reportedly a family man who grew up in the local area:

Education: He was a 2003 or 2004 graduate of Goodrich High School.
Family: Social media accounts and public records suggest he was married to his high school sweetheart and was a father to a young son, who is now approximately 10 years old.
Health Crisis: A GoFundMe page from 2015 indicated that the family was dealing with severe financial strain due to their son being born with congenital hyperinsulinism (CHI), a rare genetic disorder. Sanford was quoted at the time speaking on the difficulty of the situation, noting, “I spent four years in the Marine Corps and was in Iraq and this is still the most unique thing to deal with.”
Occupation: He previously worked as a Coca-Cola truck driver, a job he briefly left to care for his son.
Pastimes: Friends and acquaintances recalled him as an avid hunter and a typical “country kid” from the area.

The Attack and Unanswered Questions

The attack unfolded suddenly on Sunday morning as hundreds of people were attending a service at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints meetinghouse. Sanford allegedly:

Rammed his vehicle (a Chevrolet Silverado) through the front of the building.
Exited the vehicle and opened fire on the congregants using an assault-style rifle.
Intentionally set the church ablaze using an accelerant, believed to be gasoline.
He was killed in an exchange of gunfire with a Michigan Department of Natural Resources officer and a Grand Blanc Township police officer who quickly responded to the scene.

Authorities later discovered suspected explosive devices (IEDs) inside Sanford’s vehicle.

The most critical question remains unanswered: What was Thomas Jacob Sanford’s motive?

The FBI is investigating the incident as an “act of targeted violence.” Investigators are currently searching Sanford’s home and reviewing his phone and social media records to uncover any clues that could explain why the decorated veteran and father of a child with special needs carried out such a horrific and destructive attack on a place of worship.