Additional Coverage:
Community Members Raise Funds for Family of Michigan Church Shooter
GRAND BLANC TOWNSHIP, MI – In the wake of last weekend’s tragic mass shooting at a Michigan church, a distinctive fundraising effort has emerged, directing support not towards the victims but the family of the accused shooter.
David Butler, an “ordinary member” of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, though not affiliated with the Grand Blanc Township ward where the attack occurred, organized the fundraiser. Butler stated that 40-year-old Thomas Jacob Sanford, identified by police as the perpetrator, leaves “behind a wife and children who must be grieving.”
He highlighted that “one of the Sanford sons deals with serious medical challenges that require ongoing care, treatment, and specialized support.” Butler cited the Biblical book of James, emphasizing the principle of visiting “the fatherless and widows in their affliction” as the fundraiser’s purpose.
The deadly incident at the Grand Blanc church resulted in the deaths of four individuals and left at least eight others injured. Grand Blanc Township Police Chief William Renye reported that Sanford drove his pickup truck through the church’s front doors, exited, and opened fire with an assault-style rifle on approximately 100 churchgoers.
Officials later confirmed he also set the church building on fire. Sanford died following a shootout with police.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt indicated, based on FBI director conversations, that the attacker was “an individual who hated people of the Mormon faith.”
Despite the attacker’s stated animosity towards the faith, the GiveSendGo fundraiser for Sanford’s family had raised $285,000 against a $500,000 goal by early Thursday afternoon. Many donors, whose comments suggest they are also members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, expressed messages of peace and support.
One anonymous donor wrote, “We have been taught to be peacemakers and pray that your family is blessed and watched over during this difficult time. May you feel the love of the Savior surrounding you always.
You are beloved children of God.”
The Detroit Free Press reported that Sanford’s family initially harbored suspicions about the fundraiser, fearing impersonation, but eventually embraced the unexpected support. Sanford’s sister, Katie Hamilton, told the paper, “It took my breath away, that this church is so forgiving and understanding and caring.”
Alongside this effort, numerous other fundraisers are actively collecting donations to assist the families of those who lost their lives or sustained injuries in the attack. GoFundMe has established a verified hub to consolidate these victim support initiatives.