Over 100 federal investigators are currently involved in the aftermath of a tragic incident in a Michigan community. A former Marine drove a pickup truck into a Mormon church during a Sunday service, causing mayhem by shooting into the building and setting it on fire.
The swift response of law enforcement officers was commendable, arriving at the scene within 30 seconds of the emergency call. However, the confrontation escalated, resulting in at least four fatalities and eight injuries before the perpetrator was fatally shot in a shootout.
This disturbing event is sadly just one in a series of attacks on places of worship in the U.S. over the past two decades. Tragically, such violence has become all too common, with another mass shooting occurring less than a day before this incident.
The church, known as the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, located in Grand Blanc Township, was packed with worshippers when the assailant launched his assault. Brandishing two U.S. flags on the pickup truck, he began firing and subsequently ignited a fire using gasoline.
As chaos unfolded, two officers engaged the attacker in a gunfight outside the church, resulting in his demise after about eight minutes. The aftermath revealed a scene of devastation, with fire and smoke engulfing the church and leaving behind charred debris.
The aggressor has been identified as Thomas Jacob Sanford, a 40-year-old former Marine with a military background that includes service in Iraq. Despite these details, the motive behind his violent actions remains unclear, leaving many questions unanswered.
Investigations are ongoing, with authorities meticulously combing through the wreckage for any additional victims and clues. The FBI has taken charge of the case, categorizing it as a targeted act of violence, and deploying a significant number of agents to the affected community to uncover the truth behind this senseless tragedy.