Additional Coverage:
Investigations Continue into Dual Mass Shootings by Veterans; Motive Remains Elusive
Federal and state investigators are continuing their intensive probes into two separate mass shootings that occurred over the weekend in Michigan and North Carolina, allegedly perpetrated by Marine veterans. The tragic incidents, involving assault rifles, left a combined total of seven people dead and more than a dozen injured, with the critical question of motive largely unaddressed by authorities.
As of Tuesday, no additional news conferences were scheduled for either case, leaving communities grappling for answers.
Motive Remains Under Investigation in Both Attacks
In Grand Blanc, Michigan, investigators allege that on Sunday at approximately 10:25 a.m., 40-year-old Thomas Jacob Sanford of Burton, Michigan, drove his pickup truck through the front doors of a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He then reportedly opened fire on hundreds of worshippers before setting the chapel ablaze. The attack resulted in four fatalities and eight injuries, with two victims critically wounded, according to officials.
Sanford, who police confirmed acted alone, was killed during a subsequent gunfight with law enforcement. Reuben Coleman, acting special agent in charge for the FBI Detroit field office, stated Monday that the incident is being investigated as “an act of targeted violence.”
When pressed by reporters on why it wasn’t classified as domestic terrorism, Coleman clarified, “Once we’re able to ascertain definitively what we have, that’s when we’ll make those statements. But right now, this is an act of violence.”
He elaborated that “targeted violence” refers to an act “within our state and within our community.”
Coleman confirmed that investigators interviewed over 100 victims and witnesses within the first 24 hours, yet little has been publicly disclosed regarding a definitive motive.
Michigan Suspect Expressed Anger Toward Mormons, Friends Say
While official motives remain elusive, some acquaintances of Sanford have offered insights. Kris Johns, a Burton City Council candidate, told ABC News he met Sanford recently during campaigning and that Sanford expressed anger toward Mormons. Twin brothers Peter and Francis Tersigni, who grew up with Sanford, confirmed his animosity toward the Latter-day Saints, referring to him as “Jake.”
The brothers explained that after serving four years in the U.S. Marines and leaving the military in 2008, Sanford moved to Utah for a job.
There, he dated a Mormon woman and reportedly considered converting to the religion. Peter Tersigni, a former close friend, stated that during his time in Utah, Sanford became heavily involved with methamphetamine.
“It messed his life up and it messed his head up. And it just happened to be at the time he was around Mormons,” Peter Tersigni recounted.
Sanford returned to Michigan around 2010. Peter Tersigni noted that Sanford would often go on anti-Mormon tangents, particularly while drinking, but never directly linked these sentiments to his past relationship.
North Carolina Shooting Carried Out by ‘Lone Wolf’: Police
Approximately 12 hours prior to the Michigan incident, a separate mass shooting unfolded in Southport, North Carolina, around 9:30 p.m. on Saturday. Investigators allege 40-year-old Nigel Edge, described as a “lone wolf,” opened fire from a boat on an outdoor waterfront bar, the American Fish Company. This attack claimed three lives and injured five others.
Southport Police Chief Todd Coring stated Sunday that authorities believe the location was “targeted” and the act was “highly premeditated.” However, officials have yet to release further details regarding Edge’s possible motive.
Edge was apprehended shortly after the shooting in nearby Oak Island as he was loading his boat at a public ramp. He faces three counts of first-degree murder, five counts of attempted murder, and five counts of assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill or injure.
He has not yet entered a plea and was assigned a public defender during his initial court appearance Monday. Prosecutors are reportedly considering pursuing the death penalty.
Edge is a Purple Heart recipient, having been wounded in combat during his service with the U.S. Marine Corps.
In 2023, he legally changed his name from Sean Debevoise, citing in his petition, “There have been a lot of events in my life that I don’t understand. Therefore, I do not trust my family, and I would feel more comfortable starting my life in a new path with a new name.”
Weapons and Suspect Backgrounds
In the North Carolina attack, a criminal complaint details that Edge used a short-barrel AR rifle equipped with a suppressor, a scope, and a folding stock. The number of shots fired has not been publicly disclosed.
In Michigan, officials have only identified the weapon allegedly used by Sanford as an “assault rifle.” Authorities have not commented on how either suspect obtained their weapons or how long they may have planned their respective attacks.
After his arrest, Edge informed investigators he was injured in the line of duty as a Marine and suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder, according to Chief Coring. Local District Attorney Jon David noted Sunday that Edge had minor contacts with law enforcement previously, “but nothing significant in his past which would give us any indication that he was capable of such horror.”
Michigan officials, in contrast, disclosed Monday that Sanford had prior arrests for burglary and operating a vehicle while intoxicated.
Suspects’ Connections to Targets
Authorities have not revealed any prior connections between either Edge or Sanford and the targets of their alleged attacks. In Michigan, witnesses at the LDS chapel reportedly did not recognize Sanford as a member or associate of the congregation.
Regarding the Southport shooting, authorities have not indicated why Edge allegedly targeted the American Fish Company bar or if he was a patron. Chief Coring has urged anyone who was at the bar on Friday or Saturday night to contact investigators immediately.
IEDs and American Flags Found in Michigan Suspect’s Truck
In the Michigan investigation, James Deir, special agent in charge of the Detroit field office of the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, confirmed Monday that four improvised explosive devices (IEDs) were recovered from Sanford’s pickup truck. Sources familiar with the investigation indicated these IEDs were constructed from consumer-grade fireworks.
Investigators believe Sanford allegedly set the chapel ablaze after dousing it with gasoline, but the intended use of the IEDs remains unclear. Authorities have also not commented on the possible significance of the American flags attached to the rear bed of Sanford’s truck. The ATF’s National Response team, comprising arson and explosive investigators, is actively involved in the Michigan inquiry.