FBI examines Thomas Jacob Sanford in investigation of LDS church attack

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00:00Evil. This was an evil act of violence. That's exactly what this was.

00:08And this is not Grand Blanc. This does not define Grand Blanc and who we are.

00:13Thomas Jacob Sanford, a 40-year-old Marine veteran from Burton, Michigan,

00:17is responsible for a deadly attack at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc Township.

00:23On Sunday, investigators say he rammed his truck into the church, opened fire on congregants and police,

00:33and set the building on fire using gasoline as an accelerant. Four people were killed and eight

00:38others were injured. Local police fatally shot Sanford after he fired at officers in the parking

00:43lot. Officials warned against speculation as to Sanford's motive, urging the community to stay

00:49calm as the investigation continues. These are places that we go to feel connected, to feel safe,

00:57to be together. But today, this place has been shattered by bullets and broken glass.

01:03And this might be a familiar pain, but it hurts all the same. Every time, we cannot keep living our lives

01:12like this. I know that this community is reeling right now. And I want you to know that the state

01:19of Michigan has your back. The FBI is leading the investigation as targeted violence, working

01:24with state and local police, the ATF and bomb squads, to secure the area and assess potential

01:30explosives. Investigators have interviewed more than 100 witnesses and collected evidence,

01:36but motive has not been confirmed. Sanford, also known as Jake, served in Japan and Iraq,

01:42earning the rank of sergeant. After his service, he worked civilian jobs, including at a Coca-Cola facility.

01:48Police say he had prior arrests for drunk driving and burglary. Sanford and his wife faced medical

01:54challenges with her son, needing to seek specialized care in Texas. A city council candidate says when

02:00canvassing in Sanford's neighborhood, he expressed animosity toward the LDS church, but did not seem

02:06violent in conversation and was, quote, extremely friendly. Read more right now on the Straight Hour

02:12News mobile app or on san.com. For Straight Hour News, I'm Kaylee Carey.