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Latter-day Saints Fundraiser for Michigan Church Gunman’s Family Tops $300,000

The Utah organizer frames the campaign as an act of Christian compassion toward the shooter's surviving family.

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Law enforcement officers walk outside the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Monday, Sept. 29, 2025, in Grand Blanc Township, Mich. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)
Investigators walk in front of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc Township, Mich. where Sunday morning a man rammed his vehicle into the building before opening fire and setting the building ablaze, Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2025. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)

Overview

  • Donations have surpassed $300,000 in roughly two days to aid the widow and child of Thomas Jacob Sanford, including a son reported to have congenital hyperinsulinism.
  • Organizer David Butler, a Latter-day Saint in Utah with no ties to the family, says the effort reflects teachings to care for widows and orphans and to love enemies.
  • GiveSendGo says the campaign remains under platform verification as contributions continue, with many donors identifying as members of the faith.
  • Authorities say Sanford, 40, rammed an LDS chapel in Grand Blanc Township on Sept. 28, opened fire and set the building ablaze, killing four and injuring eight before police killed him; officials have not stated a motive.
  • Separate relief efforts for victims include a Community Foundation fund launched with a $250,000 grant from the Mott Foundation and a GoFundMe verified hub coordinating victim campaigns.