Dad who lunged at Nassar offers GoFundMe refunds or will donate to charity

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The man who lunged at convicted sex abuser Larry Nassar after asking for a few minutes alone in a room with him says if you donated to a defense fund set up for him, he's returning the money or donating to charity.

Randy Margraves has three daughters, all of whom are survivors for former MSU doctor Larry Nassar. Last Friday, Randywas in court his daughter who was giving her victim impact statement. Randy asked for time to speak as well.

During Randy's time, he asked the judge for a couple of minutes alone with Nassar from the judge. He was denied and Randy lunged at Nassar, coming just a few feet short of getting his hands on him before deputies and Nassar's attorney stepped in to stop him.

Dad of sex assault victims who went after Nassar: I am no hero

The video of Randy's actions spread quickly online and Randy was taken out of the courtroom. Someone set up a GoFundMe for Randy's legal defense fund and raised $31,311. On Thursday, Randy and his Union, IBEW 665, released a statement thanking everyone for the donations but said he doesn't need them.

"At the time of the incident, I didn't know that the great brotherhood had done this, and I was overcome with gratitude when I found out. I appreciate everyone stepping up to support me, but help is not needed for me. After giving people the chance to get a refund, the donations will go to organizations that help the sisterhood of survivors and other victims of abuse." - Randy Margraves

There's more information about all three charities at the bottom of this story.

Randy said if you donated, you can choose to either get a refund from GoFundMe or you can leave the donation. That money will be given to charities that help survivors of sexual abuse. The deadline to claim your refund is March 9 and any remaining funds will be donated to local charities like Small Talk, RAVE, and the Firecracker Foundation, the statement said.

Father who lunged at Nassar in court: 'I lost control'

Two of his daughters gave their victim impact speeches at Nassar's sentencing hearing in Eaton County. Last Friday, his third daughter spoke at a hearing in Ingham County. Randall was given an opportunity to speak to Nassar, first calling him 'a son of b----' and the judge reprimanded him for swearing. Then he asked the judge for five minutes alone in a locked room "with this demon." As the judge denied his request and began to explain how the legal system worked, Randall suddenly lunged toward Nassar. He was restrained by several officers as crying was heard in the courtroom, pinned to the ground, then escorted out in handcuffs. 

He later apologized to the judge for his actions who released him - but he could still face charges from the prosecutor. 

"Emotions run high. Emotions overtook him when he heard facts surrounding his daughters for the first time," he said in a press conference later that day.

Read the full statement from Randy and the IBEW here:
                   
The following are statements from Randy Margraves and IBEW 665 regarding the GoFundMe online fundraiser that raised $31,311 to help Randy, who is the father of three daughters abused by Larry Nassar and a member of IBEW 665.  After his actions against Nassar in court last week, Randy was the recipient of the online fundraiser, much of which came from supportive IBEW members locally and across the country.

While Randy deeply appreciates the outpouring of support, he says it is not needed for him. Those who donated to the fundraiser can choose to either get a refund or leave the donation to be given to charities that help survivors of sexual abuse. After March 9, any remaining funds in the account will be donated to local charities like Small Talk, RAVE, and the Firecracker Foundation. 

"At the time of the incident, I didn't know that the great brotherhood had done this, and I was overcome with gratitude when I found out. I appreciate everyone stepping up to support me, but help is not needed for me. After giving people the chance to get a refund, the donations will go to organizations that help the sisterhood of survivors and other victims of abuse." - Randy Margraves

"IBEW 665 unequivocally supports Randy, his family, and all of the survivors of these horrible crimes. This situation has demonstrated the strength of the bond among our union brothers and sisters. It's uplifting to see how willing people are to support those in need, and we're glad to see the money going to organizations that help survivors of abuse."

Charity Information:

Small Talk

RAVE

Firecracker Foundation