Following the deaths of three Baton Rouge police officers, supporters of the men launched individual GoFundMe campaigns and in less than two days, the initiatives have secured over $100,000 in total.
CNN reported that on Sunday a man identified as Gavin Long of Kansas City went on a shooting rampage on his 29th birthday, killing police officers Montrell Jackson, Brad Garafola and Matthew Gerald, while injuring five others. Local and state authorities, including Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards, stated they believe Long was a lone gunman. and Edwards described the shooting as an“absolutely unspeakable heinous attack.” The shooting took place a couple weeks after the death of Baton Rouge resident, Alton Sterling.
Montrell Jackson’s GoFundMe (currently $94,135) description reads:
“Montrell was a highly regarded police officer in the Baton Rouge Police Department, and most importantly, a beloved husband, father, son, brother and friend. Words cannot describe the devastation that we feel right now, and would ask that those who are able to please contribute to this meaningful cause in order to assist Montrell’s family financially during this time of mourning. All funds will go directly to Montrell Jackson’s wife, Trenisha Jackson, and newborn son, Mason.”
Matt Gerald’s fundraising page (currently $25,992) states:
“Beloved husband, father, and a great man all around. Matthew graduated from BRPD academy 4 months ago and had his last watch on Sunday July 17. I’m not begging but simply asking for your support for my cousin and his family anything you can donate would help.”
Bradford Garafola’s GoFundMe (which is dedicated to his family and is currently $46,242) shares:
“On 7/17/16 at approx. 0845 hrs., East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office Deputy Bradford Garafola was tragically and senselessly killed in the Line of Duty as he worked one last extra duty assignment at the B Quik Gas Station on Airline Highway before taking his wife and children (my sister, nieces and nephew) on their summer vacation. His wife was on her way to meet him at his extra duty assignment in preparation for the much needed family trip. Before her arrival to meet him, she was instead met by a multitude of police personnel who were actively working the shooting scene. She was detoured and originally told that her husband was fine and did not learn that her husband had actually been killed until about an hour later.”
Have a crowdfunding offering you'd like to share? Submit an offering for consideration using our Submit a Tip form and we may share it on our site!