LANSING, Mich. (AP) — An online fundraiser for family members of the man who opened fire in a Michigan church and set it ablaze has raised over $275,000 as of Thursday in what the organizer described as a whirlwind of love and forgiveness. On Sunday, Thomas “Jake” Sanford, 40, drove his pickup truck into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints chapel in Grand Blanc Township, near Flint, shot at the congregation and set the building on fire. The attack killed four people, injured eight others, and left the church destroyed. Police killed Sanford at the scene.
Dave Butler, a Utah resident and lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, watched hours of news coverage about the attack. He reflected on the impact of the tragedy and recognized that Sanford's family were also suffering. We understand that there is a family that needs to be taken care of, he said.
Setting up the fundraiser on GiveSendGo on Tuesday morning, Butler rallied support using media connections from his podcasts about the Latter-day Saints faith. Donations quickly surged, highlighting a growing familiarity among the public with online fundraising efforts for mass shooting victims in the U.S.
Authorities have not discussed Sanford’s motive for the attack this week, but it has been described as an “act of targeted violence” by Sanford alone. Friends noted his expressed discontent towards the faith after a relationship with a church member.
Butler’s original aim was modest, targeting $10,000 to support the Sanford family during this challenging time. He noted that many members of the community felt compelled to contribute in response to the tragedy. Over 7,000 people contributed, raising more than any verified fundraiser for the victims of the attack. Supporters shared messages of solidarity.
“I feel like I’m responding to an attack against us in the right way. Not to get revenge, not to get justice, not to blame the wrong people,” Butler expressed.
As many donors left encouraging messages, a member of the community noted their prayers for the affected family. An attorney representing the Sanford family has not returned requests for comments, but a previous statement conveyed their immense sorrow for the victims and their families.
Butler highlighted core principles of his faith, encouraging actions of forgiveness and compassion. Lisa Louis, who was present during the shooting, said she forgave the assailant upon looking into his eyes. Butler believes that the outpouring of kindness and support can contribute to healing for both the victims and the shooter’s family. The event is awful. There’s no way around it, Butler stated. I hope that healing can come soon and that this can be part of the experience of healing.\
Dave Butler, a Utah resident and lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, watched hours of news coverage about the attack. He reflected on the impact of the tragedy and recognized that Sanford's family were also suffering. We understand that there is a family that needs to be taken care of, he said.
Setting up the fundraiser on GiveSendGo on Tuesday morning, Butler rallied support using media connections from his podcasts about the Latter-day Saints faith. Donations quickly surged, highlighting a growing familiarity among the public with online fundraising efforts for mass shooting victims in the U.S.
Authorities have not discussed Sanford’s motive for the attack this week, but it has been described as an “act of targeted violence” by Sanford alone. Friends noted his expressed discontent towards the faith after a relationship with a church member.
Butler’s original aim was modest, targeting $10,000 to support the Sanford family during this challenging time. He noted that many members of the community felt compelled to contribute in response to the tragedy. Over 7,000 people contributed, raising more than any verified fundraiser for the victims of the attack. Supporters shared messages of solidarity.
“I feel like I’m responding to an attack against us in the right way. Not to get revenge, not to get justice, not to blame the wrong people,” Butler expressed.
As many donors left encouraging messages, a member of the community noted their prayers for the affected family. An attorney representing the Sanford family has not returned requests for comments, but a previous statement conveyed their immense sorrow for the victims and their families.
Butler highlighted core principles of his faith, encouraging actions of forgiveness and compassion. Lisa Louis, who was present during the shooting, said she forgave the assailant upon looking into his eyes. Butler believes that the outpouring of kindness and support can contribute to healing for both the victims and the shooter’s family. The event is awful. There’s no way around it, Butler stated. I hope that healing can come soon and that this can be part of the experience of healing.\
