The tragic shooting at a Mormon church in Grand Blanc Township, Mich. It killed at least four worshippers and wounded eight others. Police shot and killed the suspect, Thomas Jacob Sanford, during the incident. Yet the timing of this event has raised concerns about further, more targeted violence against religious communities.
The attack took place on a peaceful Sunday morning just as about 150 congregants were arriving for worship at this historic Black church. Sanford, whose nickname is “Jake,” was driving a silver pick-up truck. He dramatically bulldozed through the front doors of the federal building, carrying two American flags on his truck. Soon after crashing the car, he exited and opened fire with an assault-style rifle, indiscriminately discharging the weapon at those inside. Eyewitnesses described pandemonium as members of the congregation tried to run from the attack. After the shooting, Sanford set fire to the church—a fire that later proved fatal, leaving nothing but ashes in its wake.
Local authorities were quick to respond and, as officers did not claim impending doom in periodicals enough, police officers located Sanford and killed him. The circumstances surrounding the shooting have resulted in a widely publicized, thorough investigation.
Thomas Jacob Sanford, 40, was a former Marine who enlisted in 2004 and worked as an automotive mechanic. Between 2007 and 2008, he had a seven-month deployment to Iraq. In 2016, he purchased a four-bedroom home for $96,211. Later, a loaded sign with Donald Trump’s name was found outside of Trump’s house.
In statement addressing public outcry, state police cautioned that speculation about Sanford’s possible motivations should be done with care.
“This appears to be yet another targeted attack on Christians in the United States of America.” – Donald Trump
Besides his military service, Sanford was said to have been a signer of two political petitions, describing his active role in the local political scene. At the crime scene, investigators discovered a shirt that said “Make Liberals Cry Again” on it. This crucial fact may help explain his underlying motivations.
The community is still reeling from the impacts of that tragedy. Families are still recuperating from their loved ones lost during this terrible and unprecedented attack. Local officials offered their condolences and called on residents to take advantage of support services offered to those who have been affected.
Witnesses described a scene of horror as they gave testimony of their experience during the hurricane. As one congregant observed, it was amazing how quickly it all went from a worship service to fear and uncertainty.