Newly released police bodycam footage has revealed the chilling moments when a Michigan church shooter calmly confessed to officers after being apprehended by brave congregation members during Sunday service.
The disturbing video shows Thomas A. Sanford, 44, being detained by police following the terrifying incident at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Dexter, where he allegedly opened fire during mass, striking an elderly parishioner in the arm.
The Chilling Confession
In the footage obtained by DailyMail.com, Sanford can be heard telling officers: "I just walked in and started shooting." When questioned about his motives, the suspect offered a bizarre explanation, claiming: "I was trying to get people to understand that there is a God."
The confrontation occurred around 9:30 AM during a busy Sunday service, sending approximately 30 parishioners into panic as shots rang out through the sacred space.
Congregation's Brave Response
According to police reports, quick-thinking churchgoers immediately tackled Sanford to the ground, disarming him before officers could arrive at the scene. The suspect was found lying face-down on the floor with his hands behind his back when law enforcement entered the building.
The 74-year-old victim, identified only as an elderly man, suffered a gunshot wound to his arm but was reported to be in stable condition following emergency medical treatment.
Weapon and Evidence Recovered
Investigators confirmed they recovered a 9mm handgun from the scene, along with multiple shell casings that corroborated witness accounts of multiple shots being fired inside the church.
Sanford now faces serious charges including assault with intent to murder and terrorism, with prosecutors alleging he intended to cause mass casualties during the religious service.
The released footage provides crucial insight into the suspect's state of mind immediately following the attack, raising important questions about church security and mental health interventions in religious settings.
