Latter-day Saint Raises $300,000 for Family of Michigan LDS Chapel Shooter

On September 28, 2025, a quiet Sunday morning turned tragic at a meetinghouse for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc Township, Michigan. A gunman later identified by authorities as Thomas Jacob Sanford, drove a truck into the chapel and opened fire, killing four people and injuring eight others.

Authorities confirmed that Sanford, 40, of Burton, Michigan, was the shooter and was killed at the scene. The FBI and local law enforcement continue to investigate the attack, which left multiple families grieving. 

An Unexpected Act of Compassion

In the aftermath of the tragedy, an unusual act of empathy drew national attention. Dave Butler, a Utah-based fantasy and science-fiction writer and member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, created a GiveSendGo fundraiser to support Sanford’s widow and children. Butler says he had no personal connection to the Sanford family or the Michigan congregation, yet he felt compelled to act.

“It seems obvious to me that it is awful to be shot or to lose a loved one to the shooter in such an event, and it is also awful if your loved one who dies in the event is the shooter,” Butler told NBC News.

Sanford left behind a wife and children, including a son with ongoing medical challenges. Butler said the family will face financial and emotional hardships as they grieve.

Faith at the Center of the Fundraiser

On the GiveSendGo page, Butler explained his motivation with his faith in mind, citing James 1:27, “Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction.”

He also wrote, “Every donation will go to help provide for the Sanford family’s daily needs, provide for ongoing medical treatment, and create some stability in a time of heartbreak and upheaval.” 

This fundraiser not only provides financial support to a family facing a tragedy but also serves as a powerful demonstration of faith-driven compassion.

Response from Donors

The campaign quickly gained traction. NBC News reported that more than 7,000 people donated nearly $300,000 in under 48 hours.

Donors shared messages of faith and empathy:

• “Your family has been on my heart and in my prayers along with all those who suffer through this tragic event. We hope this helps and you find peace and comfort through our Savior Jesus Christ.”
  
• “Our hearts break for this family. As a member of Tthe Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints we grieve with you and pray for your peace.”
  
• “We mourn with those that mourn, comfort those that stand in need of comfort, and stand as witnesses of God. We’re praying for you and your family” 

Butler noted that many of the donors are fellow Latter-day Saints, reflecting the church’s teachings on forgiveness and caring for widows and orphans.

A Rare Example of Faith in Action

While most fundraisers in the wake of the attack focused on victims’ families, Butler’s campaign highlights a principle emphasized in his faith: compassion even toward those indirectly affected by tragedy. According to ABC News, the fundraiser has surpassed $300,000.

Authorities have yet to release a motive for Sanford’s attack. Friends described him as a family man with a troubled past, including conflicts with the LDS faith and personal struggles. Butler emphasized that supporting the family does not excuse the violence, but offers relief and stability to those suffering.

Beyond the immediate financial assistance, the fundraiser has sparked conversations about the role of faith and forgiveness in responding to tragedy. Many have noted that acts like Butler’s demonstrate a commitment to living out religious principles even in challenging circumstances. By extending support to the family of the shooter, the campaign illustrates that compassion is not limited to those we know personally or to those deemed “deserving” by societal standards. It also highlights the broader community’s ability to unite around values of empathy, mercy, and moral responsibility, even when confronting events that provoke fear, anger, and grief. This ripple effect has inspired both Michigan locals and members of the wider Latter-day Saints community to reflect on how faith can guide actions in moments of crisis.

For those wishing to support the effort, the fundraiser is available here: GiveSendGo – Help the Sanford Family. This campaign stands as a rare and compelling example of faith-driven empathy: even in the face of tragedy, communities can respond with mercy, compassion, and generosity.

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