$250K Raised for Family of Grand Blanc Shooter

In an unexpected act of compassion, members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have raised over $250,000 for the family of Thomas Jacob Sanford, the man responsible for a deadly attack on their Grand Blanc Township congregation.

Unthinkable Tragedy Strikes Grand Blanc Church

Thomas Sanford, a 40-year-old Iraq War veteran from Burton, drove his pickup truck into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc, opened fire on worshippers, and set the building on fire. The attack resulted in five fatalities, including Sanford, and left several others injured.

A Fundraiser of Compassion

Now, Dave Butler, a devout Mormon and member of the LDS church, has pledged his support to help the family Sanford leaves behind, acknowledging the complex grief they face. Butlet notes that he has no connection to Grand Blanc or the Sanford family.

“They will face financial hardship and psychological trauma as a result of this week's horrifying events,” Butler says. “On top of that, one of the Sanford sons deals with serious medical challenges that require ongoing care, treatment, and specialized support.”

Forgiveness Amid Tragedy

Butler emphasized that the fundraiser was rooted in the Christian principle of caring for widows and orphans, regardless of the circumstances. He acknowledged that while it may not be conventional to raise money for the family of a mass shooter, the act of generosity reflects a broader cultural value among Latter-day Saints that underscores forgiveness and support for all who suffer, even those associated with tragedy.

“Every donation will go to help provide for the Sanford family's daily needs, provide for ongoing medical treatment, and create some stability in a time of heartbreak and upheaval,” Butler said on the GiveSendGo page he created for the Sanford family.

As of this writing, the fund has raised more than $290,000.

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Source: Irony in Forgiveness: $250K Raised for Grand Blanc Church Shooter’s Family

Categories: Grand Rapids News, Michigan News