Authorities are still seeking a motive in the Sunday (US time) mass shooting a Michigan church. However, the suspected gunman Thomas Jacob Sanford’s (Jake) acquaintances seemed to have pin-pointed out a clue from the Burton city man’s past that could potentially solve the mystery at hand.
In the preliminary stages of the investigation itself, officials declared that they would be treating the former US Marine’s alleged actions at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints chapel Grand Blanc Township as an “act of targeted violence.”
The latest harrowing addition to this year’s tragic shooting streak killed at least 4 people and injuries of 8 others. Sanford also rammed a pickup truck into the front of the church and set a fire before being fatally shot by policers at the scene.
Given the current developments in the investigations, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt quote the FBI’s indication that Sanford “hated people of the Mormon faith” while talking to Fox News Channel’s ‘Fox and Friends.’
Alleged Michigan church shooter Thomas Sanford had a grudge against Mormons?
Jake is said to have opened up about issues he had with the Mormon faith to Burton’s city council candidate Kris Johns just days before the Michigan shooting, according to MLive.com. Johns shared with the outlet that he came across the alleged gunman as he was introducing himself to voters while on doors amid his campaign trail.
Although he described Sanford initially coming off as pleasant, the candidate said he became “unhinged” when they struck up a conversation about the Mormon church.
As per the Detroit Free Press’ conversation with the city candidate, Sanford even insisted the Mormons were “the anti-Christ.” While it remains unclear if the suspect shared any direct connection with the church, Johns divulged that Sanford told him some members of the establishment wanted him to remove his tattoos before taking part in their traditions. The alleged Michigan shooter is believed to have been dating a Mormon woman in Utah at the time.
Nonetheless, Johns affirmed that Sanford’s comments appeared to a basic rant at best and not a reflection of any potential violence he may launch against the church.
Thomas Sanford’s friends speak out
Two long-time friends and other acquaintances appeared to back the claims about Sanford’s animosity regarding the Mormon faith. As per a New York Times report quoting the sources, the former Iraq war veteran’s severe perception on the issue was spurred by a breakup he had with a religious ex-girlfriend over a decade ago. The incident had since provoked Jake to unload tirades about the church even at his best friend’s wedding.
Michigan resident Peter Tersigni, who called Sanford his best friend since preschool, indicated that his Marine Corps service changed him. The church attacker is said to have resorted to heavy use of methamphetamine at one point while he was living in Utah. It was during that period of his life that he fell for a woman who was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Tersigni’s twin brother, Francis, further detailed Sanford’s “whole fascination with Mormons” in another interview. “They are the Antichrist, and they are going to take over the world,” he said of the Michigan shooter’s perception of those following the religious faith. Noting how it all became an issue at Peter’s wedding as well, Francis said, “All he could talk about was Mormons. I was like, dude, nobody wants to hear about this stuff.”
Meanwhile Sandra Winter, someone who rented a room to Sanford in Utah, recounted how Sanford went back and forth about joining the church himself at the time. “He wasn’t so sure that he wanted to become a member of the church,” she said, adding, “But he really wanted to be with this woman.”
So far, Michigan investigators have spoken to over 100 people in their attempt to circle out the motive driving the gunman to do what he did on Sunday, the BBC reported.