Michigan church shooting: Was Thomas Jacob Sanford a Democrat or Republican?
Michigan church shooting: Was Thomas Jacob Sanford a Democrat or Republican?
In the wake of Sunday’s deadly attack at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc, Michigan, questions about the political leanings of the suspected gunman, Thomas Jacob Sanford, have fueled a wave of speculation online.
Some social media users circulated screenshots alleging that Sanford had previously donated to Democratic campaigns, though these claims remain unverified. No official records have yet confirmed that the 40-year-old veteran contributed to any political party. At the same time, reports have surfaced that a “Trump-Vance” yard sign was spotted outside his home, which was searched by authorities following the attack. An image of a truck adorned with American flags, allegedly tied to Sanford, has also been widely shared.
A post that gained traction online claimed: “People are saying the Michigan church shooter, Thomas Jacob Sanford, had a Trump sign on his property.” Still, the mix of claims from both sides of the political aisle underscores the uncertainty—and the attempts by different factions to frame Sanford’s actions within a partisan lens.
People are saying the Michigan church shooter, Thomas Jacob Sanford, had a Trump sign on his property. 👀 pic.twitter.com/8YB7IbmTvx
— Alex Cole (@acnewsitics) September 28, 2025
On Thomas Jacob Sanford's* property as of June of 2025 (per Google Maps).
*The Michigan LDS shooter.
Note that if we don't do this kind of research, Trump and his disinformation machine will make this guy into a left-wing trans immigrant. pic.twitter.com/9oss3symqF
— William Coffin (@CoffinItUp) September 28, 2025
According to the Daily Beast, Sanford’s political history may be more complicated than online chatter suggests. Democratic strategist Mark Grebner told Bridge Michigan that Sanford had signed petitions aligned with conservative causes: one pushing to roll back Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s pandemic powers in 2021, and another backed by Right to Life Michigan in 2020 that sought to ban a specific abortion procedure.
Thomas Jacob Sanford voted for Trump in 2016, had a bunch of flags on his truck, was against pandemic lockdowns, and was pro-life. Aside from being a white man, he's probably a "Christian" right-winger. pic.twitter.com/e3iiui4AdI
— Carol, FIGHT MAGA FASCISM (@CR_1257) September 28, 2025
Thomas Jacob Sanford was undoubtedly a right-wing evangelical who hated Mormons. Evidenced by his truck decked out with American flags, his right-wing rants online and his Trump sign in his front yard.
So the Right will kill this story unless he talked to a trans person, ever.
— I'm Zhu-ish, not Jewish. (@pussyjuicelatte) September 29, 2025
I think this is Thomas Jacob Sanford , I believe he was a Trump supporter, not sure how this can be blamed on the right pic.twitter.com/fFWkKwQAlh
— Rickey Williams (@Sensiblelogic06) September 29, 2025
Interesting…
The Michigan church supporter was definitely not an immigrant.
No, he was not gay or a drag queen.
Yes, he was a white male that supported Trump.#ThomasJacobSanford #ThomasSanford #MichiganMormonChurch #Michigan #MormonChurch pic.twitter.com/hgNzok1So5
— Rick (@colonelhogans) September 29, 2025
We all knew it was stupid for @JDVance and other Republican leaders to claim that violence only comes from the left.
We didn’t have to wait long to be proven right.
Thomas Jacob Sanford has been identified as the LDS shooter/arsonist. He was a former Marine and Trump supporter. pic.twitter.com/Wdb3WihXLQ
— JΛKΣ (@USMCLiberal) September 28, 2025
🚨UPDATE:
The shooter at a Michigan church has been identified as Thomas Jacob Sanford, a 40-year-old U.S. Marine veteran.
He donated to the Democrat campaign on multiple occasions. pic.twitter.com/6lCf7vCvBn
— MAGAfan1776 (@magafan1776) September 28, 2025
Thomas Jacob Sanford is a registered Democrat pic.twitter.com/CazKHO7gLo
— Judeth Crom (@SweetJudeth) September 28, 2025
All of the evidence so far points to Thomas Jacob Sandford being a right-winger. He voted for Trump in 2016, had flags all over his truck, was opposed to pandemic shut downs, and was anti-choice. pic.twitter.com/6cZ0Cz1em8
— Carol, FIGHT MAGA FASCISM (@CR_1257) September 29, 2025
I’m not keeping score. Thomas Jacob Sanford, whether a Democrat or Republican, killed innocent people today. With the reports out of North Carolina, it’s clear that a segment of our forgotten warriors have psychological problems that aren’t being addressed.
— MarkInSavannah⚔️⚓️🏴☠️ (@MarkInSavannah1) September 28, 2025
Thomas Jacob Sanford was an Iraq-veteran and a Trump-hating democrat according to his Facebook ecosystem, with noted outbursts. He also has a record of democrat donations. https://t.co/027SSLUcYy pic.twitter.com/chHHiIq7LI
— pawpaw eagle eye (@pawpawpawpaw10) September 28, 2025
Thomas Jacob Sanford was a conservative republican white male. @jackunheard and @LauraLoomer
Immediately went to Christianity is under attack by Muslims.Im starting to think white republican males are realizing they're being used and played. pic.twitter.com/EusmlndJy1
— Jake Kesey (@M4STurbos) September 29, 2025
Trump Reacts to the Michigan Church Shooting
Despite the conflicting political claims, former President Donald Trump weighed in swiftly, condemning the shooting as a targeted attack on Christians.
Calling the incident “horrendous,” Trump wrote on Truth Social that “this appears to be yet another targeted attack on Christians in the United States of America.” He urged prayers for the victims and their families, adding that his team would provide updates as more details became available.
Trump’s statement framed the tragedy not through partisan politics but as part of what he described as an epidemic of violence in America.
Who Was Thomas Jacob Sanford?
Sanford, 40, was a U.S. Marine veteran from Burton, Michigan, who served in Iraq between 2004 and 2008. He was identified as the gunman who rammed a pickup truck into the Grand Blanc chapel before opening fire on congregants and setting part of the building ablaze. Police said Sanford killed at least four people and injured eight more before dying in an exchange of gunfire with responding officers.
Military records confirm Sanford reached the rank of sergeant and received multiple commendations, including deployment during Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2007. A graduate of Goodrich High School, he was once profiled locally for his service abroad.
Off the battlefield, Sanford’s life reflected the struggles of a family man. Social media accounts and archived reports show that he was married with a young son who was born with a rare genetic condition requiring extensive surgeries. A 2015 GoFundMe campaign described the family’s financial challenges as Sanford took leave from his Coca-Cola trucking job to care for his child.
On Facebook, his posts alternated between family milestones and hunting photos, painting a picture of a man both defined by his military past and grounded in rural Michigan life.
A Motive Still Unclear
Despite rampant speculation about political ties, law enforcement has not provided a motive for the shooting. Investigators continue to piece together Sanford’s background and potential triggers for the deadly rampage.
For now, Sanford’s life—and the violent end he brought to others—remains a grim reminder of how tragedy can quickly become politicized in an era of polarized narratives.
FAQ Section:
Who was Thomas Jacob Sanford?
Thomas Jacob Sanford was a 40-year-old Marine veteran from Burton, Michigan, identified as the gunman in the LDS chapel shooting in Grand Blanc. He killed four people and injured eight before dying in a shootout with police.
What are the political claims about Sanford?
Some online claims suggest Sanford donated to Democratic campaigns, while others point to conservative ties, such as signing petitions against pandemic powers and abortion. None of these claims have been officially verified.
Did Sanford support Donald Trump?
Reports of a “Trump-Vance” yard sign outside his home fueled speculation of conservative leanings, but no definitive confirmation has been provided by authorities.
What did Donald Trump say about the shooting?
Former President Trump condemned the attack as a targeted act of violence against Christians, calling it “horrendous” and urging prayers for victims and families.
What was Sanford’s background?
Sanford was a U.S. Marine Corps veteran who served in Iraq, later working as a truck driver. He was married with a young son who faced a rare medical condition.
