LANSING, Mich. — An unexpected wave of generosity has emerged in response to a tragic incident at a church in Grand Blanc Township, Michigan, where a man opened fire before setting the building ablaze. The online fundraiser initiated for the family of the shooter, identified as Thomas “Jake” Sanford, has amassed over $275,000, marking a move described by organizer Dave Butler as a whirlwind of love and forgiveness.
The distressing attack, occurring on a Sunday, resulted in the deaths of four churchgoers and injuries to eight others, culminating in the destruction of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' chapel. Authorities revealed that police shot and killed Sanford during the incident, which they classified as an act of targeted violence.
Butler, a lifelong member of the church, felt compelled to assist Sanford’s family, recognizing them as victims of the tragedy as well. We understand that there is a family that needs to be taken care of, he remarked, embodying the compassion of the community.
Originally aiming to raise just $10,000, Butler witnessed an overwhelming response as over 7,000 individuals contributed to the campaign within 48 hours. This collaborative effort highlighted a collective desire to address the incident with empathy rather than anger, countering the typical narrative surrounding mass shootings.
Many contributions included messages expressing solidarity from fellow church members, such as one anonymous donor who stated, Another Latter-Day Saint here, praying for this family to feel loved and supported during these challenging times.
The motives behind Sanford's actions remain unclear, although friends have indicated that he expressed animosity towards the church after a past relationship with a member. This raised concerns yet highlighted the resilience of those affected as Butler advocated for a response rooted in love and support rather than vengeance.
As messages of support continue to roll in, Butler emphasized the importance of fostering healing through acts of kindness and understanding, urging those involved to turn towards forgiveness as guided by their faith. Amidst the horror of the event, community members strive to reflect their values, aiming to uplift both the victims and the perpetrator's family in a harrowing time.
