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LANSING, Mich. – Federal investigators have confirmed that the tragic attack on a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints chapel in Grand Blanc Township was fueled by the assailant’s “anti-religious beliefs” against the Mormon community. The revelation comes from the FBI, which had previously described the incident as a “targeted” act of violence without specifying a motive.
Thomas Jacob Sanford, 40, was identified as the gunman in the September 28 attack, which resulted in the deaths of four individuals and the complete destruction of the church building by fire. Sanford was killed by law enforcement responders at the scene.
Jennifer Runyan, special agent in charge of the FBI Detroit field office, stated in a prerecorded video message, “I am confirming this is a targeted act of violence believed to be motivated by the assailant’s anti-religious beliefs against the Mormon religious community.”
Authorities reported that Sanford drove his pickup truck into the side of the chapel while congregants were gathered for services. He then used gasoline to accelerate a fire, which engulfed and destroyed the building. The four victims have been identified as Craig Hayden, William “Pat” Howard, John Bond, and Thelma Armstrong.
While the FBI did not immediately provide further details on what led to their conclusion regarding Sanford’s anti-religious motivation, individuals close to Sanford have indicated he harbored animosity towards the church for years. Friends reported that his sentiments intensified after he lived in Utah, where he dated and subsequently broke up with a girlfriend who was a member of the Mormon faith. Sanford, a former Marine, had moved to Utah and reportedly struggled with methamphetamine addiction.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, commonly known as the Mormon church, is based in Utah. The church did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Earlier this month, church leaders had preached messages of love and forgiveness during a gathering to mourn their late president, who passed away the day before the Michigan attack. An attorney representing Sanford’s family has not yet returned a request for comment.