Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have raised more than $250,000 for the family of Thomas Sanford, the man police say rammed his truck into a Grand Blanc church and opened fire, killing four and injuring eight before being shot dead by police.
The fundraiser, launched by Utah-based church member David Butler, was started to support for Sanford’s widow and children, including a son with serious medical needs.
Many donors identified themselves as Latter-day Saints, writing messages of compassion and forgiveness despite the violent attack. The effort has drawn some criticism online but continues to gather donations.
The shooting and arson attack during Sunday services shocked both the local and wider religious community. Vigils have been held across Michigan, and flags were lowered to honour the victims.
Survivors and families have also received donations, with one survivor writing a letter saying she forgave Sanford as he killed her father, describing a sense of peace in the moment. Police say the motive remains unclear but confirmed Sanford, 40, was a former Marine with a history of arrests.
