Police in Michigan have confirmed the identity of the man behind Sunday’s deadly church attack that left at least five people dead and several others injured.
The suspect, 40-year-old Thomas Jacob Sanford from Burton, was shot dead by officers after he rammed his vehicle into the front doors of a church in Grand Blanc Township and opened fire on worshippers.
Police said Sanford, who had a military background, stepped out of the vehicle armed with an assault rifle and began firing at members of the congregation during Sunday service.
At least five people were confirmed dead while eight others sustained injuries in the attack. Police later shot and killed Sanford in the church’s parking lot.
Officials also revealed that Sanford deliberately set a fire inside the church, which was eventually extinguished by firefighters. Investigators warned that more victims could still be found inside the charred building.
In addition, law enforcement agents discovered as many as three improvised explosive devices at the scene, according to senior U.S. security officials.
The FBI’s special agent in charge for Michigan, Reuben Coleman, said on Sunday night that the bureau had taken over the case. He described the incident as an act of targeted violence, while confirming that investigators are still searching for a motive.
