Update on Shooting Incident at Michigan Church

California Representative Eric Swalwell recently posted images related to a shooting incident at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc Township, Michigan. He shared an edited version of a photo showing the suspect, Thomas Jacob Sanford, who was seen wearing a simple camouflage shirt devoid of any political symbols.

Swalwell commented on the disturbing event, stating, “I’m sure @jdvance agrees that it’s not a problem for Michigan terrorists to be Magazine supporters, because in America, violence was never the answer, regardless of your politics.” His statement accompanied the altered image on X.

In the attack, Sanford, a 40-year-old former Marine who served in Iraq from 2004 to 2008, reportedly drove his truck into the church’s entrance before a fire erupted during the service. Law enforcement fatally shot him after he allegedly exchanged gunfire with an officer. The tragic event resulted in at least four fatalities, with eight others injured.

White House spokesperson Caroline Leavitt indicated that Sanford held animosity toward individuals of the Mormon faith, based on communications with FBI Director Kash Patel. “From their discussions, they know that this was an individual who disliked followers of the Mormon faith,” Leavitt mentioned in an interview.

In response to the attack, former President Donald Trump labeled it “another target attack on Christians in the United States.” The FBI has taken control of the investigation into the incident.

Interestingly, this shooting occurred just a day after the passing of Russell M. Nelson, the 101-year-old president of the LDS Church.