Family grateful after campaign for boy thrown over mall balcony gets outpouring of support

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The family of the boy who was thrown off a third floor balcony at the Mall of America says they are grateful for the outpouring of support they’ve received — including over $700,000 that’s been raised to pay for his medical expenses.

The boy, whose name is Landen, is currently in critical condition but is beginning, a “long road of recovery,” according to Stephen Tillitt, an attorney representing the family.

Tillitt said the family is aware of the GoFundMe campaign.

"They are very grateful," he said.　

On the campaign, a family friend, Noah Hannema,  posted this message;　

“The family cannot express how grateful they are for all of the prayers, love and support that they are receiving. There truly aren't enough words! During my most recent visit with Landen, holding his hand revealed a calm and warm aura in his room, one that likely is contributed from all of the immense outpouring of prayer and support from everyone across the globe. His condition has very little change at this point, but we are hoping to get some good news back from some upcoming tests in the next few days. The family is continuing to request privacy during this time. Please continue to keep Landen in your thoughts and prayers, together we can all come together to help heal Landen! Thank you and God bless."

The 24 year-old Minneapolis man accused of throwing Landen had his first court appearance today.

Emmanuel Aranda stood in his orange jumpsuit at a window separated from the courtroom, and gave his name and address to the judge, saying he lived at a homeless shelter on Park Avenue in Minneapolis.

In a matter of minutes, Emmanuel Aranda was assigned a public defender and then taken back to jail, now charged with attempted premeditated first-degree murder after he told police he threw the boy over the balcony.