Thomas Jacob Sanford was a 40-year-old Iraq War veteran and former Marine sergeant from Burton, Michigan. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 2004 to 2008, including a deployment under Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2007, specializing as a vehicle recovery operator and mechanic. Sanford earned several military commendations during his service and left the Corps with the rank of sergeant. Sanford was identified as the suspect in a mass shooting at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc Township, Michigan, where he drove a truck into the church, opened fire on congregants, and set the building on fire. The attack resulted in at least four deaths and eight injuries. Police killed Sanford during a confrontation following the attack. His military background was evident in the truck bearing an Iraq War license plate. Sanford was also a family man, married with at least one young son who has a rare genetic disorder called Congenital Hyperinsulinism, which required extensive medical care. Sanford reportedly took a leave of absence from his job as a truck driver to support his son's medical needs. He was known as an outdoorsman and hunter. Authorities have not disclosed a motive for the attack. This information comes from multiple news sources reporting on the incident and Sanford's background as a Marine veteran and father.
