Shocking Michigan church massacre exposed.
Chaos erupted Sunday morning at a Michigan LDS church when a truck barreled into the building, igniting terror among hundreds of worshippers.
The attack profiled.
Churchgoers say a Chevy Silverado plowed into the sanctuary just after the congregational hymn, sending people scrambling in panic.
The truck bore two large American flags and deer antlers on the bumper, a chilling display before the gunfire began.
At least four people were killed and eight others wounded in the horrifying assault on the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
After the attack, Sanford set the building ablaze, leaving a massive plume of black smoke visible across Grand Blanc Township.
Local officers and a Department of Natural Resources officer arrived within 30 seconds of the call, but could not prevent casualties.
Authorities discovered improvised explosive devices on church property, sparking an ongoing investigation by a bomb squad.
Witness accounts highlighted.
Worshippers packed the church for the 10 a.m. service, many unaware of the danger until the crash.
“We thought someone had accidentally crashed, so we went to help him,” one terrified parishioner told Fox 2 Detroit.
Paul Kirby, 38, ran outside thinking it was an accident, only to see Sanford begin shooting, a bullet narrowly missing him.
Kirby grabbed his wife and two sons, fleeing through the back while helping other congregants escape the flames.
Grand Blanc resident Tony Deck reported seeing at least four yellow canvases covering victims after rushing past the scene.
Gunman identified.
Authorities confirmed the attacker is Thomas Jacob Sanford, 40, a U.S. Marine veteran who served in Iraq from 2004 to 2008.
Police from Burton, Michigan, confirmed Sanford acted alone and was killed minutes after the first 911 call.
A bomb squad is also combing Sanford’s house for additional threats, officials said.
Social media reveals Sanford as a family man, married with a young son born with congenital hyperinsulinism, a rare pancreatic disorder.
A dormant 2015 GoFundMe raised $3,000 to support their now-10-year-old son, showing a seemingly ordinary domestic life.
Images from Sanford’s Facebook depict the family enjoying pickup trucks and sunflowers, creating a stark contrast to the violence.
Sanford returned from Iraq, but neighbors described him as quiet and increasingly withdrawn over the years.
Court records suggest Sanford had filed conspiracy-laden lawsuits in recent years, hinting at growing personal frustration and obsession with perceived injustices.
Community reactions unraveled.
Grand Blanc residents are still reeling from the massacre, describing disbelief that a war veteran could perpetrate such violence.
Police are probing Sanford’s history, seeking connections between his military service, legal disputes, and the attack.
LDS officials expressed devastation, highlighting that their community gathered for worship, not expecting a life-or-death scenario.
Drone images captured the fire consuming the church in minutes, with flames visible from miles away.
Investigators say multiple improvised explosive devices were recovered, suggesting premeditation beyond a simple vehicular assault.
Locals reported seeing the Silverado parked outside earlier, raising questions about Sanford’s reconnaissance before the attack.
Vigils are planned as officials attempt to identify additional victims feared trapped in the blaze.
Sanford’s Marine service in Iraq, including combat experience, is now under intense review as authorities explore potential triggers.
Investigation still ongoing.
Detectives are also examining whether the massacre relates in any way to the recent death of longtime LDS president Russell M. Nelson at age 101.
Investigators officially declared Sanford the lone shooter after an exhaustive sweep of church grounds and nearby residences.
The attack is sending tremors through faith communities nationwide, with questions mounting about security at houses of worship.
Authorities warn the public that the investigation is far from over, with more details expected as evidence and motives are analyzed.