Burton, Michigan — A tragic incident unfolded at a church in Grand Blanc Township on Sunday morning, where a gunman opened fire, killing four people and injuring eight others. The shooter, identified as 40-year-old Thomas Jacob Sanford, was shot dead by police in the church’s parking lot shortly after the attack.

In the days leading up to the shooting, Sanford reportedly expressed alarming views about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, calling Mormons “the anti-Christ.” Kris Johns, a local resident and city council candidate, recounted a conversation he had with Sanford just a week prior, during which the discussion about religion led to discomfort. Johns noted that while Sanford initially appeared friendly and shared personal struggles involving his child’s health, the conversation soon shifted to sensitive religious topics.

Johns, a Christian involved with the Solid Rock Community Church, described how Sanford relentlessly questioned him about key doctrines of the Mormon faith, leaving him with a sense of unease. “From there, the conversation takes a very sharp turn,” Johns recalled, noting that Sanford’s comments seemed to echo widely circulated anti-Mormon sentiments.

Sanford had recently moved from Utah, a state closely associated with Mormonism, and had a partner affiliated with the faith. This background raised further questions about his motivations and mental state. Some reports indicated that Sanford struggled with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), having served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 2004 to 2008, including a deployment to Iraq.

The shooting occurred around 10:25 a.m. when Sanford drove his pickup truck into the church, which was hosting a sizable congregation at the time. Witnesses reported that the assailant brandished two American flags before he began firing indiscriminately and ignited a fire inside the building. Authorities confirmed that Sanford had also brought improvised explosive devices to the scene, though it remains unclear if they were used.

As emergency responders treated the wounded, local hospitals reported that victims included individuals aged six to 78. Some were treated for gunshot wounds, while others suffered from smoke inhalation. The child victim was stabilized and discharged shortly after receiving care.

Authorities are now investigating Sanford’s background and motivations, including family dynamics that may have contributed to the tragic event. His mother had expressed concern about his behavior on social media just days before the shooting, highlighting issues of accountability and communication. Additionally, she had previously noted her son’s struggles with mental health, even stating that she had heard discussions of his PTSD.

As the investigation unfolds, law enforcement officials are working to uncover more details about the shooting and the explosive devices involved. Community members are grappling with the aftermath of the violence while reflecting on the shocking nature of an act that shattered their sense of safety.