Billionaire investor Bill Ackman confirmed he donated $10,000 to a GoFundMe campaign supporting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent Jonathan Ross, who was involved in the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good during a federal operation in Minneapolis. Ackman publicly acknowledged the contribution on social media, saying it reflected his belief in innocent until proven guilty and his intent to support both sides of the situation—though he noted the fundraiser for Good’s family had already closed by the time he tried to donate.
The fundraiser for Ross has attracted significant attention, drawing hundreds of thousands in donations as supporters cite legal defense and solidarity with law enforcement. Online campaigns for both Ross and Good’s family emerged after the January 7 incident, with the latter raising more than $1.5 million before it was closed. These parallel campaigns illustrate how polarized public reactions have become, with some viewing support for Ross as upholding due process and others criticizing it as symbolic backing of controversial use of force.
Ackman’s decision has drawn strong responses from across the political and social spectrum. Supporters praise his emphasis on constitutional principles and fairness in evaluating legal situations, while critics argue that donating to a fundraiser linked to a federal agent involved in a deadly encounter sends a harmful message amidst ongoing protests and calls for accountability. The wider fundraising effort itself has also faced scrutiny from platforms reviewing compliance with their policies.
The episode has become part of the broader national conversation about law enforcement, community trust, and how Americans respond to highly charged incidents. As investigations into the shooting continue and public debate remains intense, discourse around donations like Ackman’s highlights how actions by public figures can reinforce broader discussions about justice, safety, and how divided audiences interpret events that touch on both personal tragedy and policy issues.