Landen Hoffmann of Woodbury, Minnesota, suffered life-threatening injuries
Wellwishers have donated more than $300,000 to the family of a five-year-old boy who suffered life-threatening injuries when he was thrown off a third-floor balcony in the Mall of America by a stranger.
The boy, Landen Hoffmann of Woodbury, Minnesota, was tossed from the balcony on Friday and police have arrested the man they believe is responsible.
Landen's cousin, April Hoffmann, posted a tribute to the boy on her Instagram page on Saturday.
‘Please pray for my cousins beautiful son Landen,’ she wrote.
‘A monster of a man threw him from a 3rd floor balcony at the mall, he is fighting to stay with us every second.’
Friends of the family began a GoFundMe crowdfunding campaign for Landen, who is described as 'the sweetest, kindest 5-year-old you will ever meet'.
As of late Saturday night, the campaign has raised more than $310,000 - surpassing its original goal of $250,000
'His soul is soft and gentle and instantly brings a smile to everybody he meets,' according to the GoFundMe page.
'He is full of energy and life and enjoys soccer, playing with friends and family and playing hockey with his brother and sister.'
As of late Saturday night, the campaign has raised more than $310,000 - surpassing its original goal of $250,000.
Police say Landen was tossed from the balcony on Friday by 24-year-old Emmanuel Deshawn Aranda, who is from the Minneapolis metro area.
Aranda was charged with attempted homicide and is currently being held at the Bloomington Police Department.
Landen Hoffmann is the five-year-old boy who was thrown off a third-floor balcony at Minnesota's Mall of America on Friday. His cousin, April Hoffmann, posted this message on her Instagram page
Emmanuel Deshawn Aranda was arrested Friday at the Mall of America in Bloomington, Minnesota
Police were called to the Mall of America in Bloomington this morning after the man, who is not thought to be of any relation, allegedly threw Landen from the balcony.
Aranda was chased down inside the mall and was taken into custody.
Witnesses say a woman at the mall was screaming hysterically after the child was thrown.
'She was screaming "Everyone pray, everyone pray. Oh my God, my baby, someone threw him over the edge,"' Brian Johnson told WCCO.
Emergency crews had rushed to help the child.
Horror: Police were called to the Mall of America in Bloomington after witnesses said a man threw the young
