LANSING, Mich. — In the wake of a catastrophic shooting at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc Township, community members are coming together to support the family of the shooter, Thomas “Jake” Sanford. An online fundraiser initiated by Dave Butler has raised over $275,000, emphasizing compassion over hatred.
On Sunday, Sanford, 40, drove his pickup truck into the church, opened fire on the congregation, and subsequently set the building ablaze, resulting in the deaths of four individuals and injuries to eight others. Law enforcement officials fatally shot Sanford at the scene. As details of the attack emerged, many in the community recognized that the shooter’s family were also victims in a different sense.
Butler launched the fundraiser on GiveSendGo, initially aiming to collect just $10,000 to assist Sanford's family during this challenging time. Observers quickly noted the stark contrast to typical fundraising efforts often directed toward victims of mass shootings, drawing a wave of support that exceeded all expectations. We understand that there is a family that needs to be taken care of, Butler mentioned, highlighting the roots of compassion within his faith community.
The motivations behind Sanford's actions remain unclear, though some friends suggested underlying animosity toward the faith he once engaged with during a previous relationship. Nevertheless, the community's response, which included messages of support from over 7,000 donors, showcases an unexpected and powerful reaction:
Another Latter-Day Saint here, praying for this family to feel loved and supported during these challenging times, one donor stated.
Butler underscored principles from their faith that promote forgiveness, noting, 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. The sentiments of forgiveness were echoed by those who experienced the tragedy firsthand, including Lisa Louis, who forgave the gunman immediately after witnessing the violence.
As the Sanford family expressed sorrow for the harm caused, Butler aims to bridge healing through understanding and compassion, embodying teachings from their faith that emphasize caring for others during difficult times.
While the event is undoubtedly tragic, Butler hopes the supportive gestures and fundraising efforts can pave the path toward collective healing within the community.
On Sunday, Sanford, 40, drove his pickup truck into the church, opened fire on the congregation, and subsequently set the building ablaze, resulting in the deaths of four individuals and injuries to eight others. Law enforcement officials fatally shot Sanford at the scene. As details of the attack emerged, many in the community recognized that the shooter’s family were also victims in a different sense.
Butler launched the fundraiser on GiveSendGo, initially aiming to collect just $10,000 to assist Sanford's family during this challenging time. Observers quickly noted the stark contrast to typical fundraising efforts often directed toward victims of mass shootings, drawing a wave of support that exceeded all expectations. We understand that there is a family that needs to be taken care of, Butler mentioned, highlighting the roots of compassion within his faith community.
The motivations behind Sanford's actions remain unclear, though some friends suggested underlying animosity toward the faith he once engaged with during a previous relationship. Nevertheless, the community's response, which included messages of support from over 7,000 donors, showcases an unexpected and powerful reaction:
Another Latter-Day Saint here, praying for this family to feel loved and supported during these challenging times, one donor stated.
Butler underscored principles from their faith that promote forgiveness, noting, 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. The sentiments of forgiveness were echoed by those who experienced the tragedy firsthand, including Lisa Louis, who forgave the gunman immediately after witnessing the violence.
As the Sanford family expressed sorrow for the harm caused, Butler aims to bridge healing through understanding and compassion, embodying teachings from their faith that emphasize caring for others during difficult times.
While the event is undoubtedly tragic, Butler hopes the supportive gestures and fundraising efforts can pave the path toward collective healing within the community.
