It’s clear a man’s hatred toward the Mormon community fueled a deadly September attack at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc Township, the FBI has confirmed.
While the Free Press and other media outlets previously reported details about the suspect’s feelings about the church community, the FBI did not provide specific comment about religious motivation until this week.
Jennifer Runyan, special agent in charge at the FBI Detroit Field office, provided a brief update on Friday, Oct. 31. Her comments and additional details come roughly one month after the attack left five dead — including the assailant — and nine others injured.
Although much of the information she provided was previously known, she did say the investigation remains open.
“Based upon the facts, circumstances and information obtained in this case, I am confirming that this is a targeted act of violence belived to be motivated by the assailant’s anti-religious beliefs against the Mormon religious community,” Runyan said.
“This motive was determined based upon countless hours of investigate efforts by our team, as well the cooperation of law enforcement partners, the community and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan.”
She said the FBI continues to pursue all credible leads related to this case.
On Sept. 28, authorities said Thomas Jacob Sanford drove his truck into the Grand Blanc Township facility. It appears he lit a fire before shooting people at the facility. Police said officers arrived within minutes, fatally shooting Sanford.
Runyan thanked officers who responded to the shooting and people inside or around the church who helped those in need, calling them all “brave.”
“This tragedy not only affected the Grand Blanc community but also left a lasting impact on our nation. The FBI remains fully committed to doing all that it can to protect the citizens of Michigan and the American people,” Runyan said.
This is one of the first updates from federal law enforcement in weeks; while the Free Press had asked for details from the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives — commonly referred to as ATF — representatives said they could not provide more information, citing the U.S. federal government shutdown.
“During the furlough, (U.S. Department of Justice) operations are directed toward national security, violations of federal law, and essential public safety functions. With that being said, the ATF investigation of the attack at an LDS church in Grand Blanc Township has not been affected during the furlough,” Tracy Morris, a Detroit-based ATF spokesperson, said in an email to the Free Press on Oct. 20.
“Unfortunately, the rest of your questions will have to be answered once the furlough is over and I am back in the office.”
In her statement, Runyan also highlighted resources for victims. She said those in need should visit www.FBI.gov/GrandBlancChurchShooting.
Reach Dave Boucher at dboucher@freepress.com and on X @Dave_Boucher1.
