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Thomas Jacob Sanford is allegedly behind a deadly attack at the LDS church in Michigan. Sanford opened fire and set the building on fire.
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Evil. This was an evil act of violence. That's exactly what this was
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And this is not Grand Blanc. This does not define Grand Blanc and who we are
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Thomas Jacob Sanford, a 40-year-old Marine veteran from Burton, Michigan, is responsible for a deadly attack at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc Township
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On Sunday, investigators say he rammed his truck into the church, opened fire on congregants and police
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and set the building on fire using gasoline as an accelerant. Four people were killed and eight others were injured
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Local police fatally shot Sanford after he fired at officers in the parking lot
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Officials warned against speculation as to Sanford's motive, urging the community to stay calm as the investigation continues
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These are places that we go to feel connected, to feel safe, to be together
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But today, this place has been shattered by bullets and broken glass
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And this might be a familiar pain but it hurts all the same Every time we cannot keep living our lives like this I know that this community is reeling right now and I want you to know that the state of Michigan
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has your back. The FBI is leading the investigation as targeted violence, working with state and local
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police, the ATF, and bomb squads to secure the area and assess potential explosives. Investigators
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have interviewed more than 100 witnesses and collected evidence, but motive has not been
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confirmed. Sanford, also known as Jake, served in Japan and Iraq, earning the rank of sergeant
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After his service, he worked civilian jobs, including at a Coca-Cola facility. Police say
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he had prior arrests for drunk driving and burglary. Sanford and his wife faced medical
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challenges with her son, needing to seek specialized care in Texas. A city council
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candidate says when canvassing in Sanford's neighborhood, he expressed animosity toward the LDS church, but did not seem violent in conversation and was, quote, extremely friendly
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Read more right now on the Straight Arrow News mobile app or on san.com. For Straight Arrow News
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I'm Kaylee Carey
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