The suspect in the shooting at a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints church in Michigan during a crowded Sunday service was a former Marine who served in Operation Iraqi Freedom, according to The Detroit News.
Authorities identified the suspect in the shooting at the church in Grand Blanc, outside Flint, as Thomas Jacob Sanford, 40.
Newsweek has contacted the Marines for further comment via an email sent outside regular business hours.
The attack occurred at around 10:25 a.m. on Sunday, when authorities said Sanford rammed his truck through the church's front doors, opened fire with an assault rifle and set fire to the building before trying to flee the scene in his vehicle. Two officers engaged in gunfire with Sanford in the parking lot and killed him within minutes, Police Chief William Renye told reporters.
At least four people were killed and eight were wounded, and authorities were searching the building ruins for more victims.
Sanford served in the Marines from June 2004 through June 2008 as an automotive mechanic and vehicle recovery operator, according to military records obtained by The Detroit News.
He was deployed to Iraq from August 2007 through March 2008 and had the rank of sergeant.
Sanford had served in Okinawa, Japan, before being deployed to Iraq, according to a 2007 report from local newspaper the Clarkson News.
"I'm excited to go," the newspaper quoted Sanford as saying in August that year.
"I'm looking forward to seeing the culture and the people of Iraq. I'll return with the real news of the situation."
Sanford's uncle also served in the Marines and his grandfather served in the Navy during World War II, the newspaper reported.
The Church of Latter-day Saints spokesman Doug Andersen said in an emailed statement: "The Church is in communication with local law enforcement as the investigation continues and as we receive updates on the condition of those affected. We offer thanks to the emergency responders who are assisting victims and families.
"We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of prayers and concern from so many people around the world. In moments of sorrow and uncertainty, we find strength and comfort through our faith in Jesus Christ. Places of worship are meant to be sanctuaries of peacemaking, prayer and connection. We pray for peace and healing for all involved."
President Donald Trump said in a post on his Truth Social platform: "I have been briefed on the horrendous shooting that took place at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, in Grand Blanc, Michigan. The FBI was immediately on scene, and will be leading the Federal Investigation, and providing full support to State and Local Officials. The suspect is dead, but there is still a lot to learn. This appears to be yet another targeted attack on Christians in the United States of America. The Trump Administration will keep the Public posted, as we always do. In the meantime, PRAY for the victims, and their families. THIS EPIDEMIC OF VIOLENCE IN OUR COUNTRY MUST END, IMMEDIATELY!"
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer said in a statement: "My heart is breaking for the Grand Blanc community. Violence anywhere, especially in a place of worship, is unacceptable. I am grateful to the first responders who took action quickly. We will continue to monitor this situation and hold the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc close."
The Grand Blanc Township Police Department wrote on Facebook: "We would like to say that we sincerely appreciate the absolute outpouring of support we received from our amazing community and emergency response partners. We are still actively investigating multiple leads and could not have done this alone."
The motive for the attack remains unclear, and authorities have urged the public to avoid speculation.
Investigators are searching Sanford's residence in Burton, a small town near Grand Blanc, but have not said what they found or provided any additional details about him.
More details could come at a press conference on Monday.
Meanwhile, the FBI is urging anyone with information that could assist the investigation to report it by calling 1-800-CALL-FBI or visiting tips.fbi.gov.