Michigan church shooter's family reacts to viral fundraising effort by community faith members
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The family of Thomas Jacob Sanford, the shooter who killed four people in an attack on a church in Michigan, says they’ve been overwhelmed with gratitude for the outpouring of love and support they’ve received from the members of the faith their family member targeted.

As of Wednesday evening, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have collectively raised more than $225,000 for Sanford’s widow and his son, who has a rare genetic disorder that requires costly healthcare.

The fundraising campaign has gone viral, with mostly members of The Church of Jesus Christ from across the globe donating to the family of the man who, according to friends, hated their church, called them “the anti-Christ” and just days ago burned down one of their chapels and killed four of their fellow members.

Katie Hamilton, Sanford’s sister, told Fox News her family is overwhelmed with gratitude for the love and support they’ve received from the Latter-day Saint community.

Another read, “You are loved. And this was not your fault. May you find healing, strength and peace.”

A third message highlighted the Latter-day Saints, saying the church is “praying for hope and healing for you and your community in the aftermath of this tragedy.”

Donations ranged up to $5,000, Butler said, with the average gift at $40.

While the response to the fundraiser has been largely positive, the effort has drawn some minor criticism from some for supporting the killer’s family instead of his victims, but Butler said it was never about choosing one side over the other.

“It’s wanting the Sanford family not to be left behind. I don’t believe those kids are guilty. And I think their father has made a decision that will make their lives very, very difficult,” Butler said. “They deserve help like any other innocent person does.”

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