FBI Says Michigan Church Shooting Was Driven by Anti-Religious Beliefs

Federal investigators have determined that last month’s deadly shooting and fire at a Michigan church were motivated by anti-religious beliefs targeting members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The attack in Grand Blanc Township left four people dead and nine others wounded, according to the Associated Press.

FBI Confirms Anti-Religious Motive

In a video statement released Friday, Jennifer Runyan, special agent in charge of the FBI’s Detroit field office, called the incident a “targeted act of violence” believed to be driven by the gunman’s hostility toward the Mormon faith. Investigators concluded the motive after weeks of interviews, forensic analysis, and witness statements.

Authorities said the attacker, 40-year-old Thomas Jacob Sanford, a former U.S. Marine from nearby Burton, crashed his vehicle into the church before opening fire with an assault rifle and setting the building on fire. Sanford was killed minutes later in a confrontation with police behind the church.

The FBI has assigned more than 100 agents and analysts to the case. Runyan said investigators continue to pursue “all credible leads” as they examine Sanford’s online activity and communications.

Shooter’s Background and History

According to CNN, Sanford enlisted in the Marine Corps in 2004 and served in Iraq under Operation Iraqi Freedom before leaving active duty in 2008. Marine records show he achieved the rank of sergeant and worked as a mechanic and recovery operator at Camp Lejeune.

After his deployment, Sanford lived in Utah, where he was first introduced to the Latter-day Saints community. Friends told reporters he later returned to Michigan and showed erratic behavior in recent years. A Burton city council candidate recalled speaking to him a week before the attack, during which Sanford said he believed “Mormons are the Antichrist” but didn’t appear threatening at the time.

Sanford’s family later issued a statement expressing shock and disbelief, saying they had “no answers” for his actions.

Aftermath and Community Response

Local leaders described the attack as one of the worst acts of violence in recent Michigan history. The fire severely damaged the meetinghouse, prompting a major community and interfaith effort to rebuild. Religious leaders across Michigan have since called for unity and calm, condemning the act as a tragedy motivated by intolerance.

Authorities continue to investigate potential hate-crime charges under federal law, while the community works toward recovery.