Identity of Ex-Soldier Who Set Fire to Hundreds of Christians Inside Church Revealed
- Former U.S. Marine Thomas Jacob Sanford, 40, has been identified as the attacker who drove into a Michigan church, opened fire, and set the building ablaze
- Sanford, an Iraq War veteran decorated with multiple service medals, died during a gunfight with police after killing four worshippers and injuring several others
- Authorities say gasoline was used to fuel the fire, and investigators are searching Sanford’s home and digital records as they look for a motive
Authorities have released the identity of the man behind Sunday, September 28’s deadly attack at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc, Michigan.
The suspect was Thomas Jacob Sanford, a 40-year-old former U.S. Marine and Iraq War veteran. Sanford died after exchanging gunfire with responding officers, leaving four worshippers dead and at least eight others wounded.
Source: Getty Images
According to CNN, investigators say Sanford rammed his pickup truck into the church entrance during a packed morning service before firing an assault-style rifle at congregants and using an accelerant to ignite a fire inside the building.
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The blaze gutted parts of the church as hundreds fled for safety. FBI officials leading the investigation described the incident as “targeted violence” but have not disclosed a motive.
Ex-marine identified in Michigan Church attack
Military records show Sanford served in the Marine Corps from 2004 to 2008, rising to the rank of sergeant. He was deployed to Iraq in 2007 under Operation Iraqi Freedom and earned several service awards, including the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal.
His final assignment was with the 2nd Maintenance Battalion at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina. A Marine Corps spokesperson confirmed his deployment history and commendations.
Sanford’s background paints a picture of a man once publicly celebrated for service but later facing personal challenges.
Source: Getty Images
Local reports reveal that he graduated from Goodrich High School in 2004 and was recognized as a veteran alumnus.
Social media pages linked to his family show he was married and had a young son who battled a rare genetic disorder that required multiple surgeries.
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FBI probes motive behind deadly shooting
In a 2015 interview, Sanford said caring for his child was the most difficult experience of his life, even more challenging than his military service.
Authorities say Sanford used gasoline to fuel the fire and are examining suspected explosive devices found near the scene. Investigators are also searching his home and combing through digital records to learn more about his actions and possible planning.
Grand Blanc Township Police Chief William Renye confirmed that officers arrived within minutes of the first emergency call and confronted Sanford outside the church, ending the attack within eight minutes.
Federal agents from the FBI, along with bomb technicians and crisis response teams, remain on site as the search for additional evidence continues.
Governor Gretchen Whitmer condemned the violence and described the attack as “unacceptable,” while faith leaders urged calm and support for the victims’ families.
Despite the emerging details of Sanford’s military career and family struggles, officials say the question of why he targeted the church remains unanswered.
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Gunmen abduct corps member
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that gunmen had abducted a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member and a 300-level student from the University of Jos.
The attackers reportedly broke into the residence of one Solomon Dansure in the Dong community on September 14, 2025, before taking two people captive.
Source: Legit.ng
