Karoline Leavitt implies Mich. gunman ‘hated’ Mormons — as Trumps calls it ‘attack on Christians’

Former President Trump condemned the tragic shooting at a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Michigan on Sunday, describing it as an assault on Christians. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt suggested that the assailant harbored animosity toward members of the Mormon faith.

“This seems to be yet another targeted attack on Christians in the United States of America,” Trump expressed on Truth Social following the horrific events in Grand Blanc Township, which resulted in at least four fatalities and eight injuries.

“THIS EPIDEMIC OF VIOLENCE IN OUR COUNTRY MUST COME TO AN END, NOW!”

The FBI is investigating the motives behind the attack, which involved 40-year-old Iraq War veteran Thomas Sanford driving his pickup truck, adorned with US flags, into the church and opening fire while services were underway.

Sanford subsequently set the church ablaze while many worshippers remained inside.

Stay Updated on the Michigan Church Shooting

• Family of Michigan church shooter Thomas Sanford ‘shocked’ by his deadly actions
• Prior arrests of Thomas Sanford revealed ahead of deadly church attack; all worshippers confirmed safe
• In a hateful tirade, Thomas Sanford labeled Mormonism ‘the antichrist’ to a city council candidate
• Gunman’s mother posted an eerie message about ‘avoiding accountability’ days before the shooting

“According to my discussions with the FBI director, it has been established that this individual harbored hatred for people of the Mormon faith,” Leavitt told Fox News’ “Fox & Friends” on Monday, adding that further information was not immediately available.

Leavitt added that investigators are trying to piece together the level of premeditation involved, including any potential notes left behind by the shooter.

As authorities continue to examine Sanford’s residence, further details about him, including his possible membership in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, have not been disclosed.

Law enforcement returned to the scene early Monday to inspect the damaged church for any additional victims.

“We believe some individuals may have been trapped near the fire and could not escape the church. Therefore, we expect to uncover more victims as our searches continue,” stated Grand Blanc Township Police Chief William Renye.

Among the deceased, two individuals were fatally shot, while the other two were discovered lifeless inside the burned church after firefighters extinguished the flames, according to officials.

The shooter was killed in a gunfight with responding police officers.