Gunman in Michigan LDS church shooting was a veteran of the Iraq War

[ad_1] The person suspected of opening hearth on a Michigan LDS church on Sunday was a 40-year-old veteran of the Iraq Struggle, in line with officers.

Police mentioned the suspect, Thomas Jacob Sanford, drove his truck into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc, Michigan, earlier than firing pictures and setting the constructing on hearth.

Sanford was killed in a shootout with police, officers mentioned. No less than 4 churchgoers have been killed, and eight others have been injured within the assault.

The person suspected of opening hearth on a Michigan LDS church on Sunday was a 40-year-old veteran of the Iraq Struggle, in line with officers.

Brenda Walters-Sanford

Within the wake of the lethal rampage, Sanford’s army document has come into focus. The truck that he drove into the church bears an Iraq Struggle veteran license plate, in line with officers.

A photograph posted to Sanford's mom's Fb account seems to indicate him standing in entrance of the truck allegedly utilized in Sunday's assault

ABC Information has confirmed with america Marine Corps that Sanford served 4 years within the Marines from June 2004 to June 2008. He in the end rose to the rank of sergeant, officers mentioned.

Legislation enforcement and hearth personnel stand close to the nook of McCandlish and Holly street, close to a taking pictures that passed off at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025, in Grand Blanc, Mich.

Jose Juarez/AP

He had one fight tour to Iraq that ended three months earlier than he left the Marines, being deployed in Operation Iraqi Freedom in August 2007.

Whereas serving, Sanford specialised in dealing with army car gear. Each as a technician chargeable for inspecting, servicing and repairing motor transport gear like tactical autos and as a car restoration operator, chargeable for bringing again armored autos in assist of troop missions.

Emergency responders work the scene exterior The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints following a taking pictures and hearth in Grand Blanc, Mich., Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025. (Lukas Katilius/The Flint Journal through AP)

Lukas Katilius/AP

He left the army in March of 2008, after working in fight logistics at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina.

Sanford's document supplied by the Marine Corps signifies that he was given typical recognition on the time of his service for these of his rank.

Sanford was additionally a father of a son who grappled with critical well being obstacles after he was born, in line with posts on-line from the household and the hospital.