Despite the gunman’s anti-Mormon motives and attack on LDS church, more than $200,000 has been raised by a church member for his family.
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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
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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
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According to the fundraiser, the shooter, Thomas Jacob Sanford, left behind a wife and children
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One of his sons suffers from serious medical challenges that require ongoing care, treatment and specialized support
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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
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Sanford drove his truck into the church's front entrance, opened fire on the congregation and then set the building on fire
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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
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while going door-to-door in Sanford's neighborhood just weeks prior to the attack
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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
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John said Sanford expressed animosity towards the LDS church and allegedly called Mormons the Antichrist
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Nothing in that brief interaction seemed violent or threatening, according to John's
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Even though Sanford was allegedly motivated by anti-Mormon beliefs when he carried out the deadly attack
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on the Mormon church, thousands of members of the Mormon community have still chosen to donate money
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to support Sanford's surviving widow and children. One woman who donated $25 wrote
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We pray you will be sustained and uplifted by the love of God and fellow men in this difficult time
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As members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we are praying for you and your family
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May God wrap his loving arms around you and may angels attend and watch over your family
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during this difficult time. An anonymous donor wrote, the FBI and additional partners are continuing to investigate the attack
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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
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