The father of Thomas Jacob Sanford, the individual allegedly responsible for the tragic shooting at The Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc Township, Michigan, expressed his deep sorrow on Monday. Thomas Sanford stated, "I feel terrible about all the families that have been hurt and they're under the same crap that I'm going under, that my wife and I are going under," during an interview with the Detroit Free Press. This heartbreaking incident occurred on Sunday, resulting in the loss of four lives.
According to reports, Thomas Jacob Sanford, a 40-year-old Marine veteran, served in the Marines from 2004 to 2008. He was an organizational automotive mechanic and vehicle recovery operator, participating in Operation Iraqi Freedom. The Marine Corps confirmed his service and noted that he earned several commendations, including the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal and the Iraq Campaign Medal. His father remarked, "He loved the United States; he loved his family," emphasizing the conflict between his son's military service and his subsequent actions.
The shooting, which took place during a worship service, shocked the local community. Neighbors and residents of Grand Blanc, Michigan, described their disbelief and sorrow over the tragic events. Thomas Sanford, the father, expressed profound regret for the families affected, stating, "I apologize for that." Reports indicate that the shooter drove a Chevy Silverado into the church before opening fire and subsequently setting the building ablaze.
As investigations continue, authorities have yet to establish a clear motive behind Thomas Jacob Sanford's actions. However, new details about his alleged anti-Mormon sentiments have emerged. Local city council candidate Kris Johns recounted a conversation with Sanford just days before the shooting, where Sanford expressed extreme anti-Mormon views, labeling the faith as "the anti-Christ." This revelation raises questions about the shooter’s mindset leading up to the attack.
Among the victims of this horrific incident was John Bond, a 77-year-old U.S. Navy veteran who was well-loved in his community. His family shared that he had six children and ten grandchildren, and he was known for his love of golf and spending time with family. A GoFundMe page was established to support his memorial service, signifying the impact he had on those around him.
In the days following the tragedy, community members have come together to support one another. Many expressed their disbelief at the events, with long-time friend Kara Pattison recalling a troubling encounter with Sanford just prior to the shooting. “He had never pretended to run us over before, so no, that wasn’t normal behavior,” she noted, highlighting concerns about Sanford's state of mind.
The White House has acknowledged the serious nature of the incident, with Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stating that the FBI is investigating the shooting and the fire that followed. Leavitt emphasized the importance of understanding the premeditated aspects of the attack and praised local law enforcement for their quick response, which likely saved lives during this tragic event.
This devastating occurrence at The Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc Township serves as a reminder of the complexities surrounding violence and community safety. As families mourn their losses, the investigation continues to unfold, shedding light on the factors that led to this nightmare.
