Donations pour in for family of gunman in Michigan church attack

In a remarkable display of compassion, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have donated over $250,000 to support the family of Thomas Sanford, the man responsible for a devastating attack on a Michigan church that left four dead and eight injured. The incident occurred on Sunday when Sanford drove his truck into the Grand Blanc church during a worship service, opened fire, and set the building ablaze before being fatally shot by police. David Butler, a Utah-based member of the church and a fantasy writer, initiated the fundraiser on GiveSendGo to assist Sanford’s widow and children, who face financial hardship and ongoing medical challenges. Despite the tragedy, many donors identified themselves as Latter-day Saints, expressing empathy and solidarity. The attack has deeply shaken the local community and the church nationwide, prompting vigils and financial support for victims and their families. Investigators are still searching for a motive behind the targeted act of violence, which occurred during a service attended by hundreds. Sanford, a former Marine deployed to Iraq, had a history of arrests but no clear connection to the church. Amid the grief, one survivor shared a poignant letter of forgiveness, highlighting the profound emotional impact of the tragedy.