A former U.S. Marine stormed a Mormon church in Michigan with an assault rifle and flames early Monday, killing at least four people and injuring eight others before police fatally shot him in a parking lot standoff. The attack unfolded as hundreds gathered for services, officials confirmed.
Chaos in Grand Blanc Township
Thomas Jacob Sanford, 40, crashed his car through the church doors, opened fire, and set the building ablaze – leaving firefighters battling flames for hours. Two victims died immediately, while eight were hospitalized. Two more bodies were later found in the charred ruins, with fears others remain missing.
Marine Veteran’s Deadly Rampage
Sanford – an Iraq War veteran who served from 2004-2008 – died eight minutes after police responded. Authorities are now scouring his Burton home and digital records for motives. “This was a deliberate attack,” said Police Chief William Renye.
Chilling Coincidence
Hours before this tragedy, another Marine veteran – 40-year-old Nigel Max Edge – allegedly killed three in a North Carolina shooting. Both suspects served in Iraq, raising questions about combat trauma’s role. Investigations continue in both cases.
