The Michigan man who gunned down parishioners and torched a church to the ground allegedly branded Mormons 'the anti-Christ' just days before the massacre. He even talked about his child who had a serious medical concern,' Johns told journalist Dave Bondy. As he went on to speak of the religion, Sanford told Johns that he had his tattoos removed so he could take part in church ceremonies. Despite the intense conversation, Johns said he didn't feel unsafe. Sanford told Johns that he had his tattoos removed so he could take part in church ceremonies.