Bodycam footage released by the Grand Blanc Township Police Department reveals the tense moments leading up to the fatal shooting of Michigan church gunman, Thomas “Jake” Sanford.
The video, made public on Friday, shows officers repeatedly commanding Sanford to “drop it now” before ultimately firing 10 shots at him, as reported by The Detroit News.
Sanford was responsible for a horrific mass shooting at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc Township, near Flint, Michigan, which resulted in four deaths last Sunday.
In the 47-second clip, officers can be heard urgently yelling “drop it” and “drop the gun now” multiple times before discharging their weapons.
Chief William Renye commended the “very courageous actions” of a state conservation officer and another local officer who rushed towards the sound of gunfire, reports the Mirror US.
“This is what law enforcement is trained to do, and this is how law enforcement should respond to these incidents,” stated Renye.
The released footage only provides brief glimpses from outside the chapel. Renye refrained from releasing any video showing police with Sanford post-shooting, deeming it inappropriate.
Renye confirmed that at least eight shots were fired at Sanford and clarified that the entire incident unfolded in less than four minutes from the first 911 call, not eight as initially reported.
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Last Sunday, Sanford had violently rammed his pickup truck into the chapel, indiscriminately fired shots, and set the building ablaze. In addition to the fatalities, eight people were injured in the attack.
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Sanford’s acquaintances revealed that he had frequently voiced his disdain for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, often referred to as the Mormon church.
The three men who tragically lost their lives in the incident were identified as Craig Hayden, William “Pat” Howard, and John Bond, all in their 70s. The identity of the fourth victim has yet to be disclosed to the public.