Latter-day Saints launch GiveSendGo for Michigan LDS church shooter's widow, family

After the shooting of members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Michigan that took the lives of four victims, members of the church have launched and donated to a GiveSendGo fundraiser for the widow and the family of the shooter, Thomas Jacob Sanford, who was killed by police during the incident. The four victims who were killed included John Bond, a 77-year-old Navy Veteran.

The incident took place over the weekend, when Sanford drove his truck into the wall of a church building in Grand Blanc, Michigan, and then opened fire upon members of the congregation who were gathered on Sunday. Investigators have said that the shooter “hated Mormons,” and those close to him reported that he had anger against the church because of a past relationship with a girl from Utah.

The donation page was launched by Dave Butler, a member of the church, who wrote on the donation page: “My name is Dave. Like all of you, I was shocked by the murders at the LDS chapel in Grand Blanc, Michigan, on September 28. Multiple families were left grievously wounded and in need of help.”

"One of the families that suffered a terrible loss on that day was the family of Thomas Jacob Sanford, the shooter. Sanford leaves behind a wife and children who must be grieving. They will face financial hardship and psychological trauma as a result of this week's horrifying events. On top of that, one of the Sanford sons deals with serious medical challenges that require ongoing care, treatment, and specialized support. In the past, the family attempted to raise funds for him, but with limited success.”

He added that he has “no connection to the Sanfords or to Grand Blanc” but is an “ordinary member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.”

He later added, “James teaches us that 'Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction.' The purpose of this GiveSendGo is to do that. Every donation will go to help provide for the Sanford family daily needs, provide for ongoing medical treatment, and create some stability in a time of heartbreak and upheaval.”

The page so far has surpassed $60,000, with a goal of $100,000. Multiple donations came from members of the faith as well. One person who gave $100 commented, “I’m a member of the LDS church. I forgive Mr. Sanford and wish the best for him and his family.”

Another quoted a scripture on charity and gave $50. Another who donated $20 wrote, “You did not choose this. We hope your family can heal. With love from a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.”