FBI Confirms Anti-Religious Motive in Michigan Church Massacre Killing Four

The FBI has confirmed that the deadly shooting and arson attack on a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc Township, Michigan, was motivated by anti-religious beliefs against the Mormon community. The perpetrator, Thomas Jacob Sanford, a 40-year-old former Marine, drove his pickup truck into the church, opened fire on congregants, and set the building ablaze, killing four people and injuring nine others before being killed by law enforcement. The attack occurred during a service on September 28, 2023, and was described by FBI Special Agent Jennifer Runyan as a targeted act of violence. Sanford had expressed anti-Mormon sentiments for years and struggled with substance abuse. The FBI has dedicated significant resources to the investigation, involving over 100 personnel, and continues to pursue all credible leads. The local community and church are mourning the victims while grappling with the impact of this hate-motivated attack.