In the wake of a horrific mass shooting at a Latter-day Saints church in Grand Blanc Township, Michigan, an unexpected act of compassion has captured national attention. While most rallied to support victims, one man chose to help the family of the gunman himself.
A Radical Act of Forgiveness
Dave Butler, a 53-year-old Latter-day Saints writer from Utah, launched a GoFundMe campaign for the family of Thomas Jacob Sanford—the man who drove a truck into the church, opened fire with an assault-style weapon, and killed four people before being shot dead by police.
Butler’s motivation? His faith.
“It seemed very cruel that support for people suffering from the attack would overlook the other family that was left without a father.”
Within 12 hours, the fundraiser surpassed $100,000. It has since topped $200,000 from over 5,000 donors across the U.S.
Who Is Thomas Jacob Sanford?
Sanford, who once referred to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as the “Antichrist,” targeted the congregation during Sunday worship. Among the victims were children as young as 6. A fire later consumed the church building.
Despite his actions, his wife and child—now grieving and facing life as a single-parent household—were left with no support system. Reports indicate the child suffers from a rare genetic disease.
Donation Breakdown: By the Numbers
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Raised | $200,000+ |
| Number of Donors | 5,000+ |
| Average Donation | $25–$50 |
| Largest Single Gift | $5,000 |
| Fundraiser Launch | October 1, 2025 |
Why This Story Resonates
Psychologist Andrew Solomon, who has studied families of mass shooters, notes that public sympathy for attackers’ families isn’t new—but organized, faith-driven outreach like this is rare.
“I find it quite encouraging in a time when there is so much cruelty, even toward people who have done nothing wrong,” Solomon said.
Community Reactions
- Britt Berrett, a Brigham Young University professor, donated $1,000 and urged his children to give: “It just hit a chord.”
- Many donors cited scripture: “As I have loved you, love one another.”
- Some critics called Butler “evil”—but he remains unmoved, calling the response “gratitude beyond measure.”
Infographic: The Ripple of Compassion
[INTERNAL_LINK:faith-based-charity] | [INTERNAL_LINK:mass-shooting-aftermath]
