Mormons Contribute to Relatives of Great Lakes State Individual Who Assaulted Their Church
Members of the Mormon faith have contributed substantial amounts to the relatives of the man suspected to have carried out a fatal assault on one of their places of worship in Michigan, killing four people.
Police stated that Thomas Sanford used his vehicle into the church in the Michigan town during a religious gathering and began shooting before igniting a significant inferno. He was killed during a confrontation with officers.
David Butler, a follower of the denomination living in Utah, expressed he was inspired to launch a charity drive for the suspect's relatives.
By the end of the week, it had collected significant funds, with numerous contributors stating they are church members, often referred to as Mormons.
"His relatives will experience economic challenges and mental anguish as a consequence of this week's tragic incident," The organizer stated in the fundraiser page. "Additionally, one of the children faces serious medical challenges that require ongoing care, treatment, and specialized support."
David Butler said he had no connection to the the family in question or to the town, stating he is "a regular congregant" of the religious group. Additionally, he is a fantasy and science fiction writer.
But he noted that he felt compelled to launch the fundraiser "to establish a degree of security in a period of heartbreak and disruption" for the family.
Donations, he said, will go towards their everyday expenses and healthcare.
Several supporters listed on the platform are unidentified, but numerous expressed thoughts describing themselves as Latter-day Saints.
"The divine cares for you and your family and I wish I could give you a big hug," expressed a contributor.
"The members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints support each person and wish you are may find peace with them," shared one more contributor.
Sources indicated that a number of users on the internet have criticised the charity drive.
A number of persons were also injured in the incident, which police think was a "intentional attack".
It stunned the area residents and religious followers everywhere.
Donations has also been given to campaigns for those affected and their relatives. Symbols were lowered across the state to honour the deceased, and local residents, such as individuals from various religions, have conducted gatherings.
A person who survived of the violence wrote in a letter that she had pardoned the assailant for taking the life of her dad.
"When he came over to me I felt very peaceful, peaceful even as I knelt next to my father, my hands still on dad," the woman stated in the note. "I never took my eyes off his eyes, something happened, I saw anguish, he felt adrift. I profoundly sensed it with every aspect of my soul," she continued.
"I pardoned him, I forgave him immediately, not in words, but with my spirit."
Investigators said in the past few days that they are still seeking a cause behind the incident, which took place during a worship gathering including a large congregation.
Authorities have indicated that Sanford, forty, was a ex-military member who was previously stationed to the conflict zone. In an previous discussion with a local outlet, Sanford mentioned that he was a non-commissioned officer and served in the Iraqi city in the mid-2000s.
He had prior charges for burglary and driving under the influence, officials said on earlier this week. He is from a community of Flint of about a moderate population, in close proximity from the township.