Since authorities identified Thomas Sanford as the suspect in Sunday’s deadly attack at a church in Flint, Michigan, debate has erupted online about his political ties. While law enforcement has not commented on Sanford’s political affiliation, social media users quickly moved to portray him as either pro- or anti-Trump.
U.S. Rep. Eric Swalwell of California shared a photo of Sanford wearing a T-shirt reading: “Trump 2020: Make Liberals Cry Again,” featuring a caricature of President Trump giving a thumbs-up. Swalwell added in his caption:
“I’m sure JD Vance agrees with me that it doesn’t matter that the Michigan terrorist was a MAGA supporter. Because in America, regardless of your politics, violence has never been the answer.”
The post immediately drew criticism. Many users, particularly on the right, accused Swalwell of posting a doctored image. They circulated what they claimed was the “original” photo of Sanford, which showed him in a plain camouflage T-shirt while posing with his family. Accusations that the congressman had spread a “photoshopped” image spread widely enough that the term began trending on X.
One user wrote: “Eric (Fang Fang) Swalwell Photoshopped the Michigan church shooter’s shirt to try to say he was MAGA.” Others mocked the lawmaker, saying he was “posting photoshopped images of mass shooters.”
What We Know About the Photo
The photo Swalwell shared originates from the Facebook account Brantlee’s journey, which appears to be run by Sanford and his wife, Tella, chronicling their son Brantlee’s life. The image was posted there on September 13, 2019, on Brantlee’s fourth birthday.
In that version of the photo, Sanford is indeed seen wearing the “Trump 2020 Make Liberals Cry Again” shirt.
The Flint Attack
Sanford, a former Marine, carried out the attack at the Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints church in Flint. He opened fire and later set the building on fire, killing at least four people—two by gunfire and two in the blaze. Eight others were injured, several critically.
Sanford was killed during a standoff with law enforcement in the church’s parking lot.
