LANSING, Mich. — Federal investigators have confirmed that the gunman responsible for the fatal shooting and arson at a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints chapel in Grand Blanc Township, near Flint, Michigan, acted out of hostility toward the Mormon faith.
The FBI’s Detroit field office said Friday that 40-year-old Thomas Jacob Sanford’s “anti-religious beliefs” against the Mormon community motivated the September 28 attack, which left four people dead and destroyed the church. Sanford rammed his pickup truck into the building before igniting gasoline and opening fire. He was later shot and killed by police.
The victims have been identified as Craig Hayden, William “Pat” Howard, John Bond, and Thelma Armstrong. The FBI said evidence and witness statements confirmed Sanford’s long-standing animosity toward the faith, which reportedly intensified after a breakup with a Mormon woman in Utah years earlier.
Church officials expressed sorrow for the victims and emphasized forgiveness, echoing messages shared earlier this month following the death of their president.
Grand Blanc Township, located about 60 miles northwest of Detroit, continues to mourn as investigators conclude the tragedy was an act of anti-religious violence.
Sources:
Discover more from News Facts Network
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
