Michigan church attacker was a Marine Corps veteran, military officials say

"The suspected attacker who killed at least four people and wounded eight others at a Michigan church Sunday morning was a U.S. Marine Corps veteran. Thomas Jacob Sanford served in the Marines from 2004 to 2008 and deployed for one tour in Iraq in 2007 and into 2008 with a combat logistics regiment, military officials confirmed to NPR. He was killed in a shootout with police."

"The attack occurred during a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints service in Grand Blanc, located about 60 miles northwest of Detroit. Authorities say Sanford drove his truck through the front doors of the church and began firing what they described as an assault rifle at the hundreds of worshippers inside. He also used an accelerant to set fire to the church,"

Thomas Jacob Sanford, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran who served from 2004 to 2008 and deployed to Iraq with a combat logistics regiment in 2007–2008, carried out an attack at a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints service in Grand Blanc, Michigan. Sanford drove his truck through the front doors, began firing what authorities described as an assault rifle at hundreds of worshippers, and used an accelerant to set the church ablaze, resulting in a total loss. At least four people were killed and eight were wounded. Sanford was killed in a shootout with police. All 13 Grand Blanc Community Schools campuses were closed Monday.

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