Ford worker pauses GoFundMe campaign
After reaching $800K, TJ Sabula urges people to donate to other causes
Thomas “TJ” Sabula is asking people to please stop sending money.
The UAW member, suspended from his job by Ford Motor Co. after he shouted “pedophile protector” at President Trump during a factory tour in Dearborn on Tuesday, said he is grateful for overwhelming public support and now asks that people send their money to other deserving causes.
Fundraising on his behalf collected $810,000 from Tuesday through Wednesday.
“We greatly appreciate the outpouring of support! At this time we are closing donations to this campaign and encourage you to look for other causes and organizations to support,” said a note at the bottom of both original GoFundMe pages. “We appreciate every single donation, comment, share, and sign of support!”
The “TJ Sabula is a Patriot” page raised $480,935 from 21,500 contributors.
Organizer Sean Williams of Seneca, South Carolina, initially said Sabula was “super grateful” for the donations, and added, “TJ and I were able to successfully get this fundraiser transferred to his name and control. Thanks so much to everyone that has contributed.”
The “Support Ford Worker TJ Sabula during suspension” page raised $329,885 from 13,400 contributors.
Organizer Deandra Gourlay of Highland Park, Mich., noted that the image originally posted on the page had been replaced to better align with GoFundMe community policies.
Gourlay said all money would go to support Sabula, his wife and their two young children.
Gourlay, who described herself as a longtime personal friend of Sabula, said on the GoFundMe page that he was suspended without pay. Shifting Gears confirmed with the UAW on Wednesday that Sabula has been suspended with pay.
Both these two pages were verified accounts, a GoFundMe spokesperson confirmed to Shifting Gears.
A long list of donors left comments in support of free speech and Sabula’s “courage.” After he shouted a reference to the Epstein Files controversy, Trump responded “f*** you” and gestured with his middle finger.
A White House spokesman later called the profane reaction “appropriate” and confirmed the authenticity of video images capturing the moment.
Also late Wednesday, Shifting Gears noticed a new crop of pages using the Sabula name had popped up on GoFundMe.com. Shifting Gears submitted a request for verification since at least four new pages began after Sabula — listed as the beneficiary of the initial efforts — appeared to be requesting that people not donate anymore.
Upon returning to GoFundMe.com at 8:55 p.m. on Wednesday, Shifting Gears noticed that what appeared to be copycat sites had been removed. Only the two original campaigns remained, each wildly exceeding their initial listed goals of $150,000 and $10,000.
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If my employer invited a special person to come tour my place of work, and I acted like this man did, I would expect to be fired. On. The. Spot.
You have a freedom of speech. You don't have freedom from consequences.
Sorry, but this guy is a despicable person who is only in it for the fame and money knowing that fools will give him money. Wonder why he didn't ask Biden, who had 4 years to release the info, did NOTHING!!!!