LDS member raises over $200K for family of Michigan church shooter

After a gunman killed four people and injured another eight at a Mormon Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Michigan on Sunday

a member of the church has raised money for the shooter's family. Now, so far, the fundraiser has brought in more than $200,000 in donations

According to the fundraiser, the shooter, Thomas Jacob Sanford, left behind a wife and children

One of his sons suffers from serious medical challenges that require ongoing care, treatment and specialized support

David Butler, who organized the fundraiser, said the FBI says Sanford was a U.S. Marine veteran and is responsible for the violent attack at an LDS church in Michigan

Sanford drove his truck into the church's front entrance, opened fire on the congregation and then set the building on fire

Police killed Sanford at the scene during a shootout. Burton City Council candidate Chris Johns told the Associated Press that he had spoken to Sanford

while going door-to-door in Sanford's neighborhood just weeks prior to the attack

We had a quick introduction We spoke about our children He spoke about his background and quickly the first question that he had for me was like what your position on guns I said I support the Second Amendment That was really the end of it And then the very next question and he leans in he goes what do you know about Mormons

John said Sanford expressed animosity towards the LDS church and allegedly called Mormons the Antichrist

Nothing in that brief interaction seemed violent or threatening, according to John's

Even though Sanford was allegedly motivated by anti-Mormon beliefs when he carried out the deadly attack

on the Mormon church, thousands of members of the Mormon community have still chosen to donate money

to support Sanford's surviving widow and children. One woman who donated $25 wrote

We pray you will be sustained and uplifted by the love of God and fellow men in this difficult time

As members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we are praying for you and your family

May God wrap his loving arms around you and may angels attend and watch over your family

during this difficult time. An anonymous donor wrote, the FBI and additional partners are continuing to investigate the attack

For Straight Arrow News, I'm Lauren Keenan. If you want more on this story, download the Straight Arrow News app or visit san.com