$300K+ Raised In 48 Hours For Family Of Michigan Church Shooter By Church Community
In the aftermath of Sunday’s attack at a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints chapel in Michigan — which killed four people and injured eight others — a fundraiser for the gunman’s family raised over $300,000 in just 48 hours.
The fundraiser was started by a member of the Latter-day Saints church who said he feared the assailant’s wife and child — “two more victims” — would be left without support.
REWIND
Authorities say 40-year-old veteran Thomas Jacob Sanford drove a truck into the church, set the building on fire, and opened fire with an assault-style weapon before being shot and killed by police. Victims ranged in age from 6 to 78.
Fundraisers for survivors and victims’ families have also raised hundreds of thousands of dollars. (Click this link for individual donation pages.)
The fund for Sanford’s family was launched Tuesday by Utah-based writer and church member Dave Butler, who has no connection to Grand Blanc or the Sanfords. Butler told the New York Times he hoped the effort would reflect his faith’s teachings: to “mourn with those who mourn,” turn the other cheek, and care for widows and orphans. Donations began pouring in within minutes. Many came with Bible verses and messages of forgiveness.
Sanford’s sister will help direct the spending of the donations, with his family expressing gratitude for the outpouring.