Mormon Church Member Raises Almost $300K for Accused Grand Blanc Shooter’s Family
The nation was deeply moved when Erika Kirk, widow of Charlie Kirk, stood before millions at his funeral in State Farm Stadium, Glendale, Arizona, and publicly forgave the man who murdered her husband. In a moment many described as nothing short of God’s grace, Erika chose to respond with Christian love rather than bitterness, setting a powerful example for the world of what true forgiveness looks like.
Now, another remarkable act of compassion has emerged—this time from within the Latter-day Saint community. David Butler, a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, has launched a fundraiser to support the family of Thomas Jacob Sanford, the man responsible for a brutal attack inside an LDS chapel in Grand Blanc, Michigan, that left four people dead and eight others injured.
Sanford’s violent actions devastated families within his own faith community, yet Butler looked beyond the tragedy to see the suffering of Sanford’s wife and their disabled son, who now face an uncertain future. Recognizing their need, Butler created a GiveSendGo campaign to provide them with stability, medical care, and daily necessities during this time of heartbreak.
If you watch one thing today, let it be this — the truly remarkable display of grace and compassion from Mrs. Erika Kirk as she forgives her husband’s assassin because that’s what Christ would do.
We love you, Erika. pic.twitter.com/EsSUgeJx1F
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) September 21, 2025
On the fundraising page, Butler wrote:
“Multiple families were left grievously wounded and in need of help. One of the families that suffered a terrible loss was the family of Thomas Jacob Sanford, the shooter. Sanford leaves behind a wife and children who must be grieving. They will face financial hardship and psychological trauma as a result of this week’s horrifying events. On top of that, one of the Sanford sons deals with serious medical challenges that require ongoing care, treatment, and specialized support. The purpose of this GiveSendGo is to provide for their needs and bring some stability in a time of upheaval.”
Butler emphasized that he has no personal connection to the Sanford family, but felt compelled by his faith to act:
“James teaches us that ‘Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction.’”
This extraordinary step of charity has stunned many, as it demonstrates how faith can inspire people to respond to even the darkest situations with mercy and love.
Such acts of forgiveness and compassion are creating ripples across the country. After Erika Kirk forgave her husband’s killer, comedian Tim Allen revealed he too had found healing in forgiving the man responsible for his father’s death. These stories remind Americans that while hate destroys, forgiveness heals.
Forgiveness is never easy—but in today’s world, it may be one of the most powerful forces we have to bring people closer to God and to each other.
About Post Author
