What we know about the suspect in the Michigan church shooting

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — Law enforcement has identified the individual who drove into a church building, before shooting at those inside and setting fire to the building as Thomas Jacob Sanford.

According to the Grand Blanc Township Police Chief William Renye, Thomas Sanford, 40, drove into the front doors of a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints meetinghouse shortly before 10:30 a.m.

Sanford then exited his vehicle, identified as a pickup truck with two American flags, and fired towards individuals inside the church using an assault rifle. He also set fire to the church and used an accelerant.

At this time, law enforcement says four people were killed and several others were injured. Additionally, more victims may be found inside the church if they were trapped by the fire.

Sanford was shot and killed while exchanging gunfire with police officers at the church.

Reportedly, Thomas Sanford was from Burton, Michigan. A local newspaper interviewed Sanford in 2007 and stated that he graduated from Goodrich High School in Goodrich, Michigan. It also stated that Sanford was a veteran who served in Iraq as a Sergeant.

Records from social media accounts indicate that Sanford was married with at least one kid. However, law enforcement has not confirmed any other details about Sanford, besides his identity and role in the shooting.

Law enforcement is still determining what Sanford’s motive was in committing this crime. This remains an active investigation and officers have reportedly executed multiple search warrants in connection with this tragedy.