Additional Coverage:
Grand Blanc Police Release Body Camera Footage from Fatal Church Shooting
GRAND BLANC, MI – The Grand Blanc Township Police Department has released body camera video from officers who responded to a deadly shooting at a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where the gunman, Thomas Jacob Sanford, was ultimately killed.
Authorities accuse Sanford of killing four individuals and injuring eight others during Sunday service at the church in Grand Blanc. According to officials, Sanford rammed his truck into the building, opened fire, and set the church ablaze while services were underway.
The body camera footage, provided by the Grand Blanc Township Police Department, captures officers running toward the church amidst the sound of multiple gunshots. Officers can be heard issuing commands to Sanford, with one yelling, “Get on the ground,” and another instructing, “Shoot him…
Drop the gun now.” Several more shots are then heard before Sanford is seen lifeless in the church parking lot.
The initial 911 call, reporting a person shot in the stomach, was placed at 10:25 a.m., with the first law enforcement officer arriving on the scene just two minutes later at 10:27 a.m.
Grand Blanc Police Chief William Renye stated during a news conference that the video demonstrates “what law enforcement is trained to do.”
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt provided an update on Monday, indicating that the FBI believes Sanford harbored animosity toward members of the Mormon faith. Leavitt explained that the FBI is investigating the extent of premeditation and planning involved, as well as whether Sanford left any notes.
“Local police officers were on the ground of this scene within minutes and neutralized this shooter, no doubt saving lives, and they should be commended,” Leavitt added, emphasizing the heroic actions of the responding officers.
The FBI is currently investigating the incident as an act of “targeted” violence.