By Martin Shwenk Leade

Copyright indiatimes

Some people on social media are drawing the hasty conclusion that Sanford was a Trump supporter.

Thomas Jacob Stanford has been identified as a suspect for shooting at the Grand Blanc Church in American’s Michigan, which killed four people and injured at least eight others. Stanford rammed his vehicle into the structure before opening fire on congregants and setting the building on fire. Sanford tried to escape the scene but was shot and murdered by police in the parking lot.The attack comes amid a disturbing rise in violence targeting religious communities in the US, including the recent mass shooting at Minneapolis’s Annunciation Catholic School, which claimed the lives of two children and injured 17 others. It also unfolds against a backdrop of heightened national tensions and growing fears of political violence following the shooting of Charlie Kirk.Thomas Jacob Stanford, 40, was a US Marine veteran who served in Iraq. The FBI has taken over the investigation as “targeted violence” after authorities say Sanford plowed his pickup truck that donned two American flags in the back into the small-town church, shot at the hundreds of worshippers inside, and burned the establishment down using gasoline. Improvised explosive devices were also found on scene, federal authorities confirmed. Authorities have not yet revealed the reason behind the assault.ALSO READ: Michigan Church shooting linked to death of Russell M. Nelson? FBI assigns over 100 agents for investigationWas Thomas Jacob Stanford a Trump supporter?Some people on social media are drawing the hasty conclusion that Sanford was a Trump supporter. Sanford did not belong to any political party, according to public records. In a photo from September 2019, Sanford is seen wearing a Trump 2020 T-shirt emblazoned with the slogan, “Make Liberals Cry Again.”Live EventsThe cartoon-style shirt, which depicts Trump raising his fist alongside the words “Re-elect Trump 2020,” is listed for $15.95 on eBay. His wife and both of his parents also frequently posted pro-Trump content on their social media accounts. Sanford’s wife, Tella Sanford, posted a link along with the hashtags “#bringtrumpback” and “#whovotedforthis” on Facebook on May 12, 2021. The post has been removed.ALSO READ: Michigan Church shooting: Suspect Thomas Jacob Stanford’s emotional Facebook post on his child’s illness surfacesRecords indicate that Sanford lived on the 4100 block of East Atherton Road in Burton, Michigan. A June 2025 Google Maps image shows a Trump sign outside his home. The sign has drawn attention in the media and sparked speculation on social media regarding Sanford’s political views.Sanford was a veteran of the Iraq War, CNN reported, adding that he was a sergeant throughout his 2004–2008 duty and was given many awards. Social media images of Sanford posing with deer indicate that he was a hunter.Who was Thomas Jacob Stanford?According to service records, Thomas Jacob Stanford graduated from a nearby high school in 2004. He served in the Marines from 2004 to 2008, and was deployed to Iraq from 2007 to 2008. Ryan Lopez, a former high school classmate, told New York Times that he regularly saw Sanford around. “He was happy to see me, he just seemed normal,” Lopez said to New York Times.According to a GoFundMe page from 2015, the family was in need of donations to help pay for the medical care of Sanford’s son who was born with a rare genetic disorder. The son suffers from a congenital disease known as Congenital Hyperinsulinism, which requires lengthy hospital stay and several surgeries to remove portions of the pancreas.ALSO READ: Michigan Church shooter Thomas Jacob Sanford, a decorated US marine, had a turbulent personal life? Check detailsSanford’s records show that during his service, he received the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and National Defense Service Medal.Sanford’s last posting was in the 2nd Maintenance Battalion of Combat Logistics Regiment 25 at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.Add as a Reliable and Trusted News Source Add Now!
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