Who's Thomas Sanford, ex-marine who burned Michigan church, killed 4
What's the story
Thomas Jacob Sanford, a 40-year-old former United States Marine, has been identified as the suspect in a shooting at a Michigan church. The incident occurred on Sunday when he allegedly rammed his vehicle into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints chapel in Grand Blanc Township and opened fire on worshippers inside. He also set the the church on fire, which was later contained. At least four people were killed and eight others injured in the attack.
Marine service
Suspect served in Marines from June 2004 to June 2008
Sanford was killed in an exchange of gunfire with the police, 11 minutes after the first 911 call came in. According to official records, Sanford served in the Marines from June 2004 to June 2008 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 last posting was with the 2nd Maintenance Battalion at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune in North Carolina.
Community impact
US Marines confirm suspect's decorated service
During his time in service, he was awarded various decorations, including the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, the Iraq Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and the 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 him as a "normal" person who loved hunting.
Married
Sanford married in 2016
Court records show Sanford married his high school mate in 2016, and they have a 10-year-old son. According to a GoFundMe page from 2015, the family was seeking funds to help pay for the medical care of Sanford's son, who was born with a rare genetic condition. One local news article reported that Sanford took leave from his job as a truck driver for Coca-Cola to care for his son.
Presidential statement
Trump praises FBI response, calls for end to violence
President Donald Trump praised the FBI's 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 is sending 100 agents to assist local authorities in their investigation. Police Chief William Renye said officers arrived within 30 seconds of a 911 call and killed Sanford about eight minutes later. However, no motive has been established for the attack yet.