Mormons raised nearly $300,000 for the family of the suspect in the shooting at a Michigan church that killed four and injured eight others.
Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints initiated fundraisers to support those affected by the late-September shooting at a Mormon church in Grand Blanc Township, Michigan.
The members also began a fundraiser for the family of the suspect, Thomas Jacob Sanford, a former Marine who served in Iraq.
“One of the families experiencing a significant loss is that of Thomas Jacob Sanford, the shooter. Sanford leaves behind a wife and children who are undoubtedly grieving. They will face financial difficulties and emotional distress due to the recent tragic events,” noted the GiveSendGo page established by David Butler, a member of the Church.
“Additionally, one of the Sanford sons contends with severe medical issues requiring ongoing care, treatment, and specialized support,” the page mentioned. “Previously, the family endeavored to raise funds for him but met with limited success.”
Butler said he has no connections to Grand Blanc or Sanford’s family.
“I am just a typical member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I write fantasy and science fiction, and if my name seems familiar, it might be from my appearances on LDS YouTube channels like the Stick of Joseph or Ward Radio,” Butler stated on the fundraising page.
On Sunday, Sanford drove into the church, fired shots at congregants inside, and set the building ablaze, authorities reported.
Sanford was shot by law enforcement in the church’s back parking lot within 10 minutes of the initial 911 call, according to James Deir from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives’ Detroit office.
