After Trump furor, donations flood in to family scholarship fund for sergeant killed in Niger

Amid all the tweets and denials about what President Trump did or didn't say to the widow of a U.S. soldier killed in Niger, donations are pouring in for Sgt. La David T. Johnson's family's education.

An online crowdfunding campaign was launched Tuesday night and has already raised more than $400,000 for Johnson's two children -- a six-year-old daughter and a two-year-old son -- and pregnant wife, as of midday Wednesday.

The campaign was established by Democratic Rep. Frederica Wilson -- who overheard Trump's comments and first brought them to the public's attention -- and the Miami-based 5000 Role Models of Excellence Project. The nonprofit offers mentoring for "at-risk" youth, and is planning to use the money to create a scholarship fund to send his children to college.

Johnson was killed in an Oct. 4 ambush along with three other U.S. soldiers. He had been a member of the 5000 Role Models of Excellence Project. U.S. Rep. Frederica Wilson, who represents Miami and was there when Johnson's body arrived in Florida Tuesday, founded the program in 1993.

Since the furor, more than 8,800 people have donated to help the family reach their $1-million goal. Many have left comments for Myeshia, whose name was used as the campaign organizer.

One donor wrote on the page Wednesday, "I don't have much to give, but I wanted to give what I could. I am so very sorry for your incredibly painful loss (and the ridiculous excuse of a president/person who called you). I pray for you and your beautiful children and family."